Ghana Knocked Out, As Morocco Advances To WAFCON Final

The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco clinched a spot in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ghana’s Black Queens at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday night.

The semi-final clash, which ended 1-1 after extra time, showcased intense competition, with Morocco’s resilience and home support proving decisive in the shootout. Morocco now advances to face Nigeria in the final on July 26, aiming to capture their first-ever WAFCON title on home soil.

The match began with high energy, as both teams sought to assert dominance early. Ghana struck first in the 26th minute when midfielder Stella Nyamekye rose highest to head in a pinpoint cross, silencing the passionate Rabat crowd.

The Black Queens, coached by Kim Lars Bjorkegren, capitalized on their physicality and high pressing, with players like Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Marfo creating problems for Morocco’s defense. Marfo nearly doubled Ghana’s lead in the 35th minute, flashing a shot just wide of the post.

Morocco, led by coach Jorge Vilda, responded with composure, leaning on their tournament-leading attack, which had already produced 10 goals in four matches prior to the semi-final.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak, joint-top scorer with four goals, was a constant threat, but Ghana’s stout defense, anchored by goalkeeper Cynthia Findib Konlan, held firm in the first half. Despite Morocco’s possession advantage, the score remained 1-0 at halftime.

The second half saw Morocco ramp up their intensity, with Ibtissam Jraidi and Sanaa Mssoudy testing Konlan with long-range efforts. The breakthrough came late in the game when Morocco equalized, though specific details on the goal scorer remain unclear from available reports.

The home crowd erupted, and the momentum shifted as Morocco pushed for a winner. However, Ghana’s defensive resilience, having conceded only two goals in the tournament prior to this match, forced the game into extra time.

Extra time was a tense affair, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the decisive goal. Ghana’s Alice Kusi came close, while Morocco’s Zineb Redouani and Nouhaila Benzina stood tall defensively to keep the Black Queens at bay. As the match headed to penalties, the pressure was palpable in front of a packed Olympic Stadium.

In the shootout, Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi emerged as the hero, saving a crucial penalty from Ghana’s Alice Kusi. Morocco converted five of their attempts, with precise strikes from their players securing a 5-3 victory. Konlan couldn’t replicate her quarter-final heroics, where she saved two shots against Algeria.

Morocco’s journey to the final marks their second consecutive appearance in the WAFCON final, having lost 2-1 to South Africa in 2022. The Atlas Lionesses, who topped Group A with two wins and a draw, have been a force at home, scoring 10 goals in the tournament, led by Chebbak’s four. Their 3-1 quarter-final win over Mali showcased their attacking prowess, with Ibtissam Jraidi scoring twice and Kenza Chapelle adding a late goal.

Ghana, appearing in their seventh semi-final and chasing their first WAFCON title, showed resilience despite a rocky group stage. After a 2-0 loss to South Africa, they rebounded with a 1-1 draw against Mali and a 4-1 win over Tanzania, before edging Algeria 4-2 on penalties in the quarter-finals.

Your Complete Guide To The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON)

Morocco now prepares for a blockbuster final against Nigeria, who defeated South Africa 2-1 in the other semi-final, thanks to a last-gasp goal from Michelle Alozie. The final, set for July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, offers Morocco a chance to make history with their first WAFCON title. Ghana, meanwhile, will face South Africa in the third-place playoff on July 25 in Casablanca, aiming to end their campaign on a high note.

As Morocco gears up for the final, the Atlas Lionesses carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them lift the trophy. For Ghana, the defeat stings, but their return to the semi-finals after a nine-year absence signals a bright future for the Black Queens.