Morocco and Nigeria will square off in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final this Saturday following dramatic semifinal victories that saw the hosts edge past Ghana and the record title holders eliminate defending champions South Africa.
Chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON crown, Nigeria defeated South Africa 2-1 in a fiercely contested semifinal at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
The Super Falcons took the lead just before halftime when Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 45th minute after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball inside the box.
Banyana Banyana hit back in the second half, also from the spot, as Lindah Motlhalo coolly slotted home the equaliser in the 60th minute.
With extra time looming, Nigeria found a late winner in dramatic fashion. In the 94th minute, Michelle Alozie sent in a long-range ball that appeared to be a cross but flew straight into the net, catching South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini off guard. Expecting a touch from an onrushing Nigerian attacker, Dlamini moved the wrong way, allowing the ball to sail in untouched.
In the other semifinal, Morocco and Ghana played to a 1-1 draw after goals from Afua Kyerewaa in the 26th minute and Ouzraoui Diki in the 55th. With no breakthrough in extra time, the match went to penalties.
The Atlas Lionesses held their nerve, scoring all four of their spot-kicks through Hanane El Haj, Ibtissam Jraidi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari. Ghana, on the other hand, converted only two—Kyerewaa and Alice Kusi—with Evelyn Badu missing the target and Comfort Yeboah seeing her effort saved by goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Ghana will now face South Africa in the third-place playoff on Friday, while Morocco and Nigeria will battle for the coveted title on Saturday.
This will be a rematch of their gripping 2022 WAFCON semifinal, where Morocco knocked out Nigeria 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The Atlas Lionesses, still seeking their first continental crown, will be looking to make history on home soil, while Nigeria aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2018.
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