Hosts Ghana have been sent packing from the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON), finishing third in Group A as Mali made a first-ever semi-finals appearance after six attempts.
Group leaders Cameroon who finished with seven points will join Mali with six points to the next round.
Ghana who obtained four points and Algeria with no point are eliminated after three matches each.
Cameroon drew 1-1 with Ghana while Algeria succumbed to a 2-3 loss Mali in their last group games played simultaneously at the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Stadium respectively.
It was disappointing for the Ghana fans, especially as the Black Queens had boasted of winning the tournament.
The team’s coach Bashir Hayford, prior to the event’s kickoff, had said: “This tournament is very important for Ghanaians, as it is the first time the nation has the privilege to host it.
“We have this twin words, HOST and WIN and that is exactly what we are working towards,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association on its twitter handle @ghanafaofficial wrote on Friday: “It’s ok, we try again next time and once again thanks for your support”.
The last Group B matches will take place on Saturday to determine teams to join the qualified duo in Group A for the semi-finals.
In contention are Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Equatorial Guinea. While Nigeria will play Equatorial Guinea, South Africa will tackle Zambia. South lead Group B, while Nigeria are second.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the top three of the semi-finals quartet will earn tickets to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France next year.
Group A Final Standings
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Cameroon3 2 1 – 6 2 +4 7
Mali 3 2 – 1 6 5 +1 6
Ghana 3 1 1 1 3 3 – 4
Algeria 3 – – 3 2 7 -5 0
, finishing third in Group A as Mali made a first-ever semi-finals appearance after six attempts. Group leaders Cameroon who finished with seven points will join Mali with six points to the next round.){kind=link}