 final after overcoming Ghana 4–2 on penalties){kind=link}
Hosts Morocco secured their spot in a second consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after overcoming Ghana 4–2 on penalties in a dramatic semi-final encounter that ended 1–1 after extra time on Tuesday night in Rabat.
In front of a raucous home crowd at Stade Moulay Abdellah, the Atlas Lionesses held their nerve in the shootout, with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi producing a crucial save and Ghana missing twice from the spot to send Morocco through to Saturday’s final, where they will face nine-time champions Super Falcons of Nigeria who defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1 earlier in the evening.
The defeat means Ghana will now contest the third-place playoff against South Africa on Friday.
Ghana Strike First, Morocco Respond
It was Ghana who made the brighter start, taking the lead in the 26th minute through midfielder Stella Nyamekye. The 19-year-old reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box after a corner, rifling her shot past Er-Rmichi to cap a dominant early spell for the Black Queens.
Kim Björkegren’s side looked composed and confident, carving out further chances through Doris Boaduwaa, Princess Marfo, and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, who troubled the Moroccan backline throughout the first half.
However, spurred on by their passionate supporters, Morocco came out with renewed intensity after the break. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki bundled home the equaliser after a deflected shot from Ibtissam Jraïdi fell kindly inside the six-yard box.
End-to-End Drama and Extra-Time Heartache
With the scores level, the game opened up further. Morocco pushed forward in search of a winner, dominating possession, while Ghana remained dangerous on the break. Princella Adubea and Alice Kusi both had late chances to restore Ghana’s lead, but they were denied by Er-Rmichi and last-ditch defending.
Extra time brought more drama and exhaustion. Fatima Tagnaout and Adubea were both forced off due to injuries, while Ghana’s Evelyn Badu missed a golden chance in the 100th minute, heading wide from close range. Morocco’s Hanane Aït El Haj also tested the Ghanaian keeper from distance late in the second period.
Penalty Shootout Decides the Thriller
With neither side able to break the deadlock after 120 intense minutes, the match went to penalties.
Morocco converted all four of their attempts through Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari. Ghana faltered under pressure—Evelyn Badu fired wide and Comfort Yeboah’s effort was superbly saved by Er-Rmichi, who emerged as the Atlas Lionesses’ hero of the night.
The shootout victory sparked scenes of jubilation in Rabat, as Morocco celebrated their place in the final for the second consecutive WAFCON. Under head coach Jorge Vilda, they now have the chance to win their first-ever continental title on home soil.
What’s Next?
Morocco will face Nigeria in Saturday’s final, a rematch of their dramatic semi-final encounter in 2022. The Super Falcons are aiming for a record-extending 10th title, while Morocco are looking to make history in front of their fans.
Ghana, meanwhile, will attempt to end their campaign on a high note when they meet South Africa in the third-place playoff. Despite the heartbreak, the Black Queens can take pride in a spirited performance and a semi-final run that marked their best finish in over a decade.