- Nigeria’s Super Falcons and hosts Morocco will face off in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) final on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
- Nigeria overcame reigning champions South Africa 2–1 in the first semifinal match on Tuesday, July 22.
- Morocco defeated Ghana 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time in the second semifinal
Nigeria and hosts Morocco are poised to clash in a highly anticipated 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final on Saturday, July 26 after both sides triumphed in their semifinal matches on Tuesday, July 22.
Nigeria, the record WAFCON champions, were the first to secure a spot in the final, dispatching reigning titleholders South Africa 2–1 at Stade Larbi Zaouli.
Chasing a historic 10th title, Nigeria relied on clutch performances from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie, who delivered decisive contributions to avenge their 2022 defeat to Banyana Banyana and reaffirm their continental supremacy.
Ajibade broke the deadlock just before the break with a composed finish from the penalty spot after a handball by Bambanani Mbane in the South African box.
The goal crowned Nigeria’s first-half superiority, as they dictated the tempo with a disciplined defence and sharp transitions, with Alozie and Ihezuo probing constantly.
South Africa, the defending champions, came out fighting in the second half and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Hildah Magaia was brought down by Osinachi Ohale, leading to a penalty.
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Motlhalo made no mistake from the spot to level the scores and swing the momentum temporarily Banyana’s way.
But just as extra time loomed, Michelle Alozie struck a sensational long-range winner deep into stoppage time.
Her 35-yard effort swerved past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and sparked wild celebrations among the Nigerian players and fans inside Stade Larbi Zaouli.
The final minutes saw tempers flare and injuries mount, with Chinwendu Ihezuo stretchered off and yellow cards flying.
But Nigeria held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time to seal the win and set up a mouthwatering final in Rabat.
The Super Falcons remain unbeaten in the tournament and will head into the final with renewed confidence.
Morocco edge Ghana in Penalty shootout second WAFCON 2024 semifinal
Meanwhile, hosts Morocco clinched a second consecutive WAFCON final appearance after edging Ghana 4–2 on penalties in a nail-biting semifinal that finished 1–1 after extra time.
The Atlas Lionesses held their nerve from the spot, with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi making a crucial save and two Ghanaian players missing, to seal a place in Saturday’s final against Nigeria.
The defeat means Ghana must now battle South Africa in Friday’s third-place playoff.
In a fiercely contested match at Stade Moulay Abdellah, it was Ghana who struck first through Stella Nyamekye in the 26th minute.
The midfielder pounced on a loose ball inside the box following a corner and fired past Er-Rmichi to give the Black Queens a deserved lead.
The goal capped a bright start for Kim Björkegren’s side, who looked more composed and energetic in the opening half, creating several dangerous chances through Doris Boaduwaa, Princess Marfo and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.
Morocco, however, responded with increased urgency after the break.
The home crowd roared them on and their efforts were rewarded in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki bundled the ball into the net from close range after sustained pressure and a deflected effort from Ibtissam Jraïdi.
The equaliser energised the Atlas Lionesses who began to dominate possession, but Ghana remained dangerous on the counter, with Princella Adubea and Alice Kusi coming close late in the game.
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Both sides had chances to win it in normal time, but neither could find a breakthrough.
Extra time offered more drama as fatigue set in.
Injuries forced multiple substitutions, with Morocco’s Fatima Tagnaout and Ghana’s Princella Adubea needing treatment.
Ghana’s Evelyn Badu missed a glorious chance in the 100th minute, heading wide from close range, while Alozie’s speculative long-range effort in the final minutes went just over the bar.
With the deadlock unresolved after 120 minutes, penalties were required to separate the two African powerhouses.
Morocco’s nerve held firm.
Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari converted their spot-kicks, while Ghana missed twice Evelyn Badu firing wide and Comfort Yeboah seeing her effort saved by Er-Rmichi.
The final whistle triggered wild celebrations among the Moroccan players and fans as Jorge Vilda’s team reached the final for the second tournament running.
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It’s a result that continues Morocco’s dream of lifting their first-ever WAFCON title on home soil.
Ghana, meanwhile, will be left to rue their missed opportunities, but they still have a chance to end the tournament with a medal when they take on South Africa for third place on Friday.