WAFCON 2024: Morocco Edge Ghana To Set Up Final Clash With Nigeria

Morocco secured their place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ghana in the second semifinal, held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday night.

The match had ended 1-1 after extra time.

The tightly contested clash saw Stella Nyamekye open the scoring for Ghana in the 26th minute before Sakina Ouzraoui levelled for the hosts early in the second half. With no further goals in regulation or extra time, the game was decided by spot kicks.

The Atlas Lionesses kept their composure in the shootout, converting all four of their penalties. Ghana, on the other hand, missed two of their attempts, with Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah failing to convert.

The victory sets up a highly anticipated final between Morocco and defending champions Nigeria, giving the tournament hosts a golden opportunity to avenge their 2022 final defeat on home soil to South Africa.

Ghana started the stronger side, pressing high and testing Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi with a pair of long-range efforts. Their pressure paid off in the 26th minute when Afua Josephine Bonsu Kyerewaa’s header was parried onto the post by Errmichi. The rebound rolled along the goal line and was tapped in by Nyamekye to give the Black Queens a deserved 1-0 lead.

Morocco responded by making a tactical change, bringing on Najat Badri for Elodie Nakkach to bolster the midfield. However, Ghana maintained their dominance until the halftime whistle.

After the break, the hosts raised their intensity. In the 52nd minute, Badri forced a strong save from Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan. Just minutes later, Sakina Ouzraoui capitalized on a loose ball in the box, showing excellent anticipation and calm finishing to level the score at 1-1 in the 55th minute.

Neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time, despite Morocco applying more sustained pressure. Ghana remained dangerous on the counterattack, but both teams ultimately had to settle the outcome from the penalty spot.

Morocco were flawless from the spot, while Ghana faltered under the pressure—allowing the Atlas Lionesses to celebrate a hard-fought victory in front of their home crowd.

Final Score:
Morocco (1) 1 – 1 (1) Ghana
Morocco win 4-2 on penalties

Goal Scorers:

• Ghana: Stella Nyamekye (26’)

• Morocco: Sakina Ouzraoui (55’)

Morocco Lineup:
Errmichi, Ait El Haj, Benzina, Rabbah, Redouani, Mrabet (Kassi 105’), Chebbak (Lahmari 105’), Nakkach (Badri 36’), Mssoudy (Tagnaout 91’ [Chapelle 116’]), Ouzraoui (Saoud 91’), Diki, Jraidi

Ghana Lineup:
Konlan, Duah, Boakye, Kyerewaa, Yeboah, Cudjoe, Asantewaa, Marfo (Kusi 58’), Nyamekye (Badu 89’), Boaduwaa (Adubea 71’), Boye-Hlorkah (Sumaila 103’)