Penalty Drama Sets Up Morocco vs Nigeria in WAFCON Final Showdown

Football fans are in for a blockbuster final at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as hosts Morocco and nine-time champions Nigeria booked their spots in the championship match after thrilling semifinal victories on Tuesday.

In front of a roaring crowd at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, Morocco edged past Ghana 4-2 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout after the teams were locked at 1-1 through 120 minutes of intense action.

Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi emerged the hero for the Atlas Lionesses, diving low to deny Ghana’s Comfort Yeboah and seal her team’s place in Saturday’s grand finale.

Ghana had taken the early advantage in the 26th minute when Josephine Bonsu’s powerful header clipped the post.

This was after Er-Rmichi’s initial touch and fell kindly for Stella Nyamekye, who tapped it home.

It was a deserved lead for the Black Queens, who looked sharp and composed in the opening half.

But Morocco clawed their way back into the contest in the second half.

In the 55th minute, Sakina Ouzraoui controlled a lofted pass with her chest, brought it down with finesse, and fired past a diving Cynthia Konlan to equalise.

The home fans erupted, and from that point on, it was end-to-end football as both sides pushed for a winner.

Neither team could find the back of the net through the rest of regulation or in extra time, sending the clash to penalties.

It was during the penalties that Morocco kept their nerve to advance to their second straight WAFCON final.

They’ll now have a shot at redemption after losing to South Africa in the 2022 final.

Morocco’s rise in women’s football has been remarkable.

After reaching the WAFCON final two years ago, they made their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in 2023 and reached the Round of 16, becoming the first Arab nation to do so.

Backed by passionate home support and a golden generation of players, the Atlas Lionesses are one win away from making history.

Earlier in the day, Nigeria’s Super Falcons showed why they’re still Africa’s queens of the game.

In a dramatic 2-1 win over defending champions South Africa, it was a last-gasp stunner from Michelle Alozie that sent the Nigerian bench into raptures and their fans into celebration.

With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Alozie — who plays her club football for Houston Dash in the U.S., launched a hopeful long ball forward in the 94th minute.

It bounced past everyone, including South Africa’s goalkeeper, and nestled into the net untouched.

It was a goal that perfectly captured the drama of tournament football and gave Nigeria a shot at reclaiming the title they lost in 2022.

Super Falcons of Nigeria jubilating after defeating Defending Champions South Africa 2-1 to get into the final

The Super Falcons had earlier gone ahead just before half-time, courtesy of Rasheedat Ajibade’s coolly converted penalty.

The Atlético Madrid forward stepped up after a South African handball in the box and slotted it home to make it 1-0.

But Banyana Banyana responded with their own spot-kick in the 60th minute, converted by Linda Motlhalo, after a clumsy Nigerian foul in the area.

With the score level at 1-1 and tensions high, both teams had chances to win it, but it was Nigeria who would have the final word.

The semifinal wasn’t without its moments of concern.

In the 84th minute, South African midfielder Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious injury, prompting immediate calls for medical assistance.

She was stretchered off with her leg heavily wrapped as players from both sides looked on anxiously.

In a touching moment, fans in the Stade Larbi Zaouli chanted her name in support.

Nigeria, hungry to reclaim their continental crown, have called this campaign “Mission X”, a nod to their quest for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

Saturday’s final against Morocco is more than just a football match, it’s a clash between a legacy powerhouse and an ambitious host nation determined to write a new chapter in African women’s football.

One thing is certain: fans are in for a show.

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