Nine time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Champions Nigeria, booked a date with the hosts Morocco in this year’s final after eliminating defending Champions South Africa 2-1, in the first semi final on Tuesday eveing.
The Super Falcons maintained their hopes of winning their tenth championship with goals from Michelle Alozie and Rasheedat Ajibade in either half.
Nigeria exacted revenge for their 2023 loss to South Africa, and although Linda Motlhalo converted a penalty for Banyana Banyana in the second half, it was too little, too late.
Hosts Morocco booked their place in a second successive WAFCON final after edging Ghana 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night in the 2nd semi final clash.
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.
Stella Nyamekye of Ghana opened the scoring in the 26th minute of a hotly contested game at Stade Moulay Abdellah.
Supported by the home crowd, Morocco continued to put pressure on their opponents and were rewarded in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki bundled the ball into the net from close range following prolonged pressure and an effort deflected by Ibtissam Jraïdi.
With fatigue setting in and both teams losing players to injuries, the two teams were unable to separate after 30 minutes of extra time.
Morocco remained composed as Ghana missed twice, with Comfort Yeboah’s attempt stopped by Er-Rmichi and Evelyn Badu’s shot going wide.
Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari all converted their penalty kicks.
The Moroccan players and supporters let out a wild cheer when the final whistle blew, marking Jorge Vilda’s team’s second consecutive tournament final appearance.
Ghana will return to the field on Friday to play South Africa in the bronze medal match.
