Hosts Morocco,The Atlas Lionesses and Super Falcons of Nigeria booked their 2024, TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi finals ticket on Friday night with convincing wins.
With the support of a sold-out Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco cruised to a 3-1 victory over Mali in the second quarter final.
Ibtissam Jraïdi smoothly finished into the bottom left corner after being set up by Sakina Ouzraoui Diki, giving the Atlas Lionesses the lead in the 7th minute, as the team got off to a flying start.
Morocco continued to assault in the second half, and their efforts were rewarded in the 77th minute.
A penalty was awarded when substitute Sanaâ Mssoudy was taken down in the box with Jraïdi stepping up to extend Morocco’s lead and double her score from the spot.
Mali was caught off guard once more in the 89th minute when Kenza Chapelle, with help from Imane Saoud, scored a fantastic low drive from outside the area to make it 3-0. Mali was pushing forward, trying to find a way back.
Substitute Sanaâ Mssoudy was brought down in the box, earning a penalty.
Jraïdi stepped up to convert from the spot, doubling her tally and extending Morocco’s advantage. With Mali pressing forward in search of a way back, they were caught out again in the 89th minute as Kenza Chapelle struck a superb low drive from outside the area, assisted by Imane Saoud, to make it 3-0.
Mali pulled one back in stoppage time after Ghizlane Chebbak was penalized for handball, with Traoré converting for a consolation.
Earlier on Friday, nine-time champions Nigeria put on a five-star show to defeat Zambia 5-0 and guarantee their spot in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-finals in Casablanca.
The Super Falcons, who are still undefeated and undefeated in the tournament, destroyed the Copper Queens at Stade Larbi Zaouli with merciless efficiency while maintaining their defensive record and putting on their most clinical attacking performance to yet.
Nigeria only needed two minutes to establish control, and their intentions were evident from the first whistle,Centre-back Osinachi Ohale rose highest to head home Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint free-kick delivery, setting the tone for a night to forget for Zambia.
In the 33rd minute, Okoronkwo, who was once more actively engaged, completed a flowing move with a calm strike into the bottom corner to double their lead.
Nigeria added a third just before halftime. Chinwendu Ihezuo nearly ended the match with a left-footed finish after jumping on a loose ball in the box.
Nigeria maintained their dominance following the break. After another set-piece caused chaos in Zambia’s area, Oluwatosin Demehin scored from close range to make it 4-0 in the 68th minute.
The fifth goal came in stoppage time, and after Rasheedat Ajibade’s excellent work, replacement Folashade Ijamilusi added the final touch.
