In a dramatic and emotionally charged semifinal at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, hosts Morocco edged out Ghana 4-2 on penalties to book their place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they will face continental powerhouse Nigeria. The thrilling encounter, which ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, showcased grit, skill, and immense determination from both teams, ultimately ending in heartbreak for the Black Queens and jubilation for the Atlas Lionesses.
Ghana looked the stronger side in the opening half and deservedly went ahead in the 26th minute when Stella Nyamekye, the rising star who plays for Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, capitalized on a rebound after a brilliant reflex save from Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. The Black Queens, buoyed by their recent performances, continued to apply pressure and looked poised to cause a major upset.
However, Morocco’s response in the second half was nothing short of sensational. Guided by their World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda, who made critical tactical changes after a disappointing first-half display, the Atlas Lionesses returned to the pitch with renewed energy and urgency. It was winger Sakina Ouzraoui who found the equalizer 10 minutes after the break, latching onto a long ball and calmly finishing past Ghana’s keeper Cynthia Konlan.
As the game stretched into extra time, both sides created opportunities but were unable to break the deadlock. Ghana came close when 18-year-old Comfort Yeboah’s long-range strike was parried into the path of Evelyn Badu, but the Moroccans narrowly escaped. With the score still level after 120 minutes, the semifinal was forced into a penalty shootout a scenario Morocco had conquered before in 2022, when they beat Nigeria to reach their first-ever WAFCON final.
Displaying nerves of steel, Morocco once again delivered a flawless penalty performance. Hanane Ait El Haj, Ibtissam Jraidi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari all found the net with calm precision. In contrast, Ghana faltered at the crucial moment. Badu missed her side’s third penalty, and Yeboah, the youngest on the pitch, saw her effort saved by Er-Rmichi, who became Morocco’s hero once again.
The victory marks a historic achievement for Morocco, as they reach their second consecutive WAFCON final on home soil and aim to lift the continental trophy for the first time in their history. They now prepare to face Nigeria, the record nine-time champions who defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1 in their semifinal, setting up a mouthwatering showdown between North and West Africa’s best women’s teams.
For Ghana, the loss extends a difficult record: the Black Queens have now failed to win any of their six knockout matches against host nations in the tournament’s history. Despite a promising campaign, their wait for a first WAFCON title continues.
As the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations draws to a close, all eyes will be on the final between Nigeria and Morocco a clash of giants, legacies, and aspirations. With Morocco’s fans behind them and Nigeria chasing a tenth crown, the final promises to be a thrilling and historic encounter in African women’s football.
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