The stage is set for a thrilling semi-final showdown at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, with two exciting fixtures scheduled for Tuesday that could reshape the landscape of women’s football on the continent. Nigeria, the nine-time champions and Africa’s most successful women’s football team, will go head-to-head with defending champions South Africa in a much-anticipated clash in Casablanca at 16:00 GMT. Later in the evening, at 19:00 GMT in Rabat, host nation Morocco will face Ghana, the lowest-ranked side remaining, in what promises to be a passionate and high-stakes encounter.
The tournament is heating up as fans across the continent and beyond prepare for what could be a repeat of the 2022 final when South Africa’s Banyana Banyana edged past Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses 2-1. Alternatively, an all-West African final between Nigeria and Ghana could bring an entirely new flavor to a competition that has already captivated audiences with surprise results and impressive displays of talent.
Nigeria made a powerful statement in their quarter-final match by dismantling Zambia 5-0 in Casablanca. The commanding performance highlighted the Super Falcons’ attacking prowess and renewed focus as they push towards a record-extending 10th WAFCON title a mission fittingly dubbed “Mission X.” Former Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie noted the team’s transformation from their group stage form and praised their big-match mentality, calling the result “unexpected” but indicative of Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie echoed the sentiment, saying, “Big games define Nigeria,” as the team aims to maintain its momentum.
Their semi-final opponents, South Africa, advanced past Senegal via a 4-1 penalty shootout after a tense goalless draw. The defending champions, led by coach Desiree Ellis, will have to overcome both fatigue and travel disadvantage, having played 120 minutes in the city of Berkane just 24 hours before Nigeria. However, Ellis praised her squad’s resilience, character, and unity, emphasizing their determination to compete at the highest level without excuses.
The rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa has grown increasingly intense in recent years. Nigeria triumphed over South Africa in WAFCON finals in 2000 and 2018, but South Africa turned the tide in 2021, winning 2-1 during the group stages. The semi-final clash is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested matches of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Morocco and Ghana are dreaming of their first WAFCON titles, with both nations showing they have the talent and belief to lift the trophy. Morocco, buoyed by home support, and Ghana, who have fought their way into the final four despite being the lowest-ranked side, are both writing compelling stories of ambition and perseverance. Adding to the stakes, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has doubled the prize money for the winners to $1 million and unveiled a new trophy, increasing motivation for all four remaining teams.
As the tournament approaches its climax, fans are eagerly awaiting semi-final day, which could usher in a new chapter in African women’s football history whether through Nigeria’s quest for a 10th title, South Africa’s bid for back-to-back victories, Morocco’s homegrown dream, or Ghana’s underdog fairytale.
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