Morocco has set up a date with Nigeria in the final of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after seeing off Ghana in the semi-final.
The Atlas Lionesses needed a penalty shootout to seal the victory after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time. They eventually triumphed 4-2 on penalties, crushing the Black Queens’ hopes of clinching the WAFCON title.
Ghana looked determined from the outset and drew first blood thanks to teenage midfielder Stella Nyamekye. The youngster capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to force the ball over the line, handing the Black Queens a deserved lead before halftime.
Morocco, however, came back stronger in the second half, pressing high and dominating possession. Their efforts paid off in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki calmly slotted home the equaliser, reigniting the hopes of the home fans.
Despite numerous chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time. The match was ultimately decided from the spot, where Morocco proved more clinical, converting four penalties to Ghana’s two.
With the win, Morocco sets up a mouthwatering final against defending champions Nigeria. The two sides will now battle it out for the continental crown in what promises to be an explosive encounter.
Ghana, meanwhile, will have to settle for a third-place playoff against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana as they look to end their campaign on a positive note.