Black Queens reach WAFCON final — a first since 2014

The Black Queens of Ghana defeated Senegal 3-0 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday evening to advance to their first WAFCON final since 2014, delivering a result that sparked celebrations across the country and vindicated a rebuilding process that has been gradual, careful and unspectacular — until now.nnCoach Nora Häuptle’s team was superior in every area for the full ninety minutes. Grace Asantewaa, who has been the standout player of the tournament, scored twice in the first half — a penalty conversion and a long-range strike that dipped under the crossbar with a conviction that made it look rehearsed. Princella Adubea added a third shortly after the hour mark from a position she had made entirely for herself.nnGhana will face Nigeria, who beat South Africa on penalties in the other semi-final, in Sunday’s final in Casablanca. The Super Falcons have won the tournament a record eleven times. Ghana’s only WAFCON title came in 1998.nn”I don’t want my players to think about history. I want them to play the game in front of them,” said Häuptle. “But I also want them to understand that this is their moment to make history.”nnAsantewaa, speaking to reporters through considerable emotion, dedicated the result to her late grandmother, who had watched her play as a child in Kumasi and told her she would represent Ghana at the highest level. “She always believed before I did,” she said.nnViewing parties are being organised in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi for Sunday’s final. The Ghana Football Association said the team would receive a state reception regardless of Sunday’s result.