Tournament hosts Morocco booked their place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after edging Ghana 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a dramatic semi-final encounter at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
The Atlas Lionesses came from behind in regulation time, with Sakina Ouzraoui Diki cancelling out Stella Nyamekye’s first-half opener, before holding their nerve in the shootout. Morocco, who were runners-up in the 2022 edition, will now face nine-time champions Nigeria in the final at the same venue on Saturday.
Ghana struck first in the 26th minute when Nyamekye capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Khadija Er-Rmichi to slot home from close range after a corner caused confusion in the Moroccan box. It was another high-profile mistake from Er-Rmichi, who has come under scrutiny throughout the tournament.
Despite appearing shaky as the first half progressed, Morocco regrouped after the break. Ten minutes into the second half, the outstanding Ouzraoui Diki—one of the stars of the tournament—levelled the score with a composed left-footed finish after collecting a deflected ball inside the area.
The match had begun with Ghana showing attacking intent. Early threats came from Nyamekye, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Josephine Bonsu, all of whom tested Er-Rmichi, while Doris Boaduwaa twice came close to extending Ghana’s lead before the break.
Morocco, however, responded strongly in the second half. Cynthia Konlan was kept busy in the Ghana goal, producing key saves to deny Najat Badri and Ghizlane Chebbak, while Sanaa Mssoudy and Ibtissam Jraïdi also threatened as the Lionesses grew into the game.
Despite their dominance, Morocco couldn’t find the winner in regulation time. Ghana also came close in the dying moments, with Alice Kusi and Princella Adubea both narrowly missing late chances.
Extra time brought more drama, though few clear chances, with the most significant moment being an injury to Moroccan substitute Fatima Tagnaout, who was stretchered off with ice applied to the back of her knee.
In the penalty shootout, Morocco were flawless. Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari all converted confidently. Ghana’s Bonsu and Alice Kusi scored their first two spot kicks, but pressure mounted as Evelyn Badu dragged her effort wide. Er-Rmichi, in a moment of redemption, saved Comfort Yeboah’s weak attempt to seal victory for the hosts.
Morocco now advance to their second consecutive WAFCON final, where they will face Nigeria, who earlier defeated South Africa 2-1 in Casablanca thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Michelle Alozie.