In a dramatic and emotionally charged semifinal, host nation Morocco booked their place in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after edging Ghana 4-2 on penalties, following a tense 1-1 draw on Tuesday at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.
Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi emerged as the hero of the night, denying Ghana’s Comfort Yeboah during the penalty shootout to seal the win for the Atlas Lionesses. The victory sends Morocco to a highly anticipated final clash against nine-time champions Nigeria, who earlier defeated South Africa 2-1 in Casablanca.
Ghana opened the scoring in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye. The Black Queens capitalized on an aerial opportunity when Josephine Bonsu’s header was tipped onto the post by Er-Rmichi but rebounded into Nyamekye’s path for a simple finish.
But the Moroccan side, backed by a passionate home crowd, came roaring back in the 55th minute. Sakina Ouzraoui controlled a lofted ball with her chest and skillfully drove it past Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan to level the score.
Neither side could break the deadlock in the remaining minutes or in extra time, setting the stage for a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Morocco’s triumph marks a significant milestone in the team’s rapid ascent in women’s football. After reaching their first WAFCON final in 2022 and making history at the 2023 Women’s World Cup by advancing to the Round of 16, the Atlas Lionesses are now just one step away from continental glory.
Earlier in the tournament, Morocco advanced to the semifinals with a 3-1 win over Mali, while Ghana overcame Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
All eyes will now be on Saturday’s final, as Morocco aims to dethrone the mighty Super Falcons and lift their first-ever WAFCON title.
Morocco vs Ghana WAFCON 2025
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