Morocco’s women’s national football team sealed a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Ghana on Tuesday, securing a place in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Nigeria. The clash, held at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, ended 1-1 after extra time before the Atlas Lionesses triumphed 4-2 in the shootout. They will face Nigeria’s Super Falcons—who earlier defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1—in Saturday’s championship decider.
Ghana opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Stella Nyamekye capitalized on a chaotic sequence. A header from Josephine Bonsu struck the post, rebounding into the path of Nyamekye, who tapped home past Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. Morocco responded in the 55th minute through Sakina Ouzraoui, who skillfully controlled a pass with her chest before slotting it under Ghana’s diving goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan. Despite a spirited second half, neither side broke the deadlock, forcing extra time and, ultimately, penalties.
The result continues Morocco’s remarkable rise in women’s football. After finishing as WAFCON runners-up to South Africa in 2022, the team made history last year by qualifying for its debut Women’s World Cup, advancing to the knockout stage. Their journey to this year’s final included a 3-1 quarterfinal win over Mali, while Ghana edged Algeria 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in the last eight.
In Tuesday’s earlier semifinal, Nigeria dethroned reigning champions South Africa in a tightly contested 2-1 victory in Casablanca. The Super Falcons, record nine-time WAFCON winners, will now contest their third consecutive final, seeking to reclaim the title they last won in 2018.
Saturday’s final in Rabat marks a pivotal moment for Moroccan football. A victory would crown them continental champions for the first time and cement their status as a rising force in African women’s sports. Nigeria, however, brings unparalleled experience, having dominated the tournament for decades. The match not only highlights the competitive growth of African women’s football but also sets the stage for a clash between ambition and legacy.
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