Following a thrilling day of semifinal action on Tuesday, Morocco and Nigeria will face off in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final on Saturday.
Hosts Morocco beat Ghana 42 in a penalty shootout in Rabat after a 11 tie in regulation and additional time. Decisive save from Khadija Er Rmichi stopped Comfort Yeboah’s shot to send Morocco into their second straight WAFCON final.
At the 26th minute, Stella Nyamekye scored after Josephine Bonsu’s header bounced off the post and across the goal to give Ghana first blood. At the 55th minute, Morocco equalised thanks Sakina Ouzraoui, who chested down a pass and sent it below Ghanaian goalie Cynthia Konlan.
Morocco kept their calm in the shootout to reserve a rematch with Nigeria, the side they now hope to dethrone with the score still unchanged after extra time.
Nigeria beat defending champions South Africa 21 early in Casablanca thanks to a stoppage time goal by Michelle Alozie. In the 94th minute, the Houston Dash defender sent a long ball ahead that went over everyone and into the net to secure the win.
Nigeria had grabbed a first-half lead thanks a penalty converted by Rasheedat Ajibade following a handball in the box. South Africa tied in the 60th minute as Linda Motlhalo scored a penalty of her own.
South Africa, who were aiming to protect their 2022 crown, had a difficult conclusion. Visible shook players from both teams as midfielder Gabriela Salgado, who had to be stretchered off, was injured late.
Nine WAFCON champions, the Super Falcons have labeled their 2024 campaign Mission X: trying to reclaim the championship following a dismal fourth-place performance two years ago.
Morocco will try for their first-ever WAFCON crown while Nigeria chases a record-extending tenth in the last event on Saturday in Rabat.
