Ghana put in great shift to qualify for WAFCON quarterfinals – Boye-Hlorkah

Ghana women’s national team midfielder Chantelle Louise Boye-Hlorkah has praised the team’s best performance so far at the CAF Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after they defeated Tanzania 4-1 to seal their place in the knockout stages in Morocco.

In the decisive Group C fixture at Berkane Stadium, the 29-year-old maintained composure from start to finish, showing leadership and great decision making as Ghana qualified for the last eight with a commanding victory.

Princella Adubea put Ghana ahead, before Stumai Athumani levelled matters for Tanzania for a 1-1 outcome at the half-time break. Ghana’s second half looked even better as they regained control through a penalty converted by Alice Kusi, before Evelyn Badu tapped home to make it 3-1, and Boye-Hlorkah put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time.

“We were not playing their game. When we are actually playing football, combine with each other. When we got it down, we were able to play. The result is amazing, the performance even better. The girls put in a great shift,” Boye-Hlorkah, who was named Woman of the Match, told CAFOnline after the game.

“I am just proud, so proud of the girls. I try to lead. I am very vocal on the pitch. I try to push the team as much as I can. The girls picked me up too. I told them that we are not going to win this game without playing as a team. I am so proud of Ghana, of the fans. I am so proud to be Ghanaian.”

On what improved her game against Tanzania, she said: “Today, I was in a comfortable role. I like the wing but I like being involved more in my natural position. I am glad to have played a little bit everywhere.

“A more familiar role for myself. I am so happy. The award could have been given to any of my teammates. I want to thank the coach for playing me in this position, my teammates and the staff for their support.”

Ghana, who finished second with four points, three less than group winners South Africa, will now face Algeria in the quarterfinals at Stade Municipal de Berkane on Saturday.