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Jul
Jul
MOROCCO AND NIGERIA SET FOR WAFCON FINAL SHOWDOWN
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CapitalTimesNews / 7 months
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- 2 min read
Hosts Morocco booked their spot in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after edging Ghana 4-2 on penalties in a tense semi-final clash that ended 1-1 after extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night. Ghana took the lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye, but Morocco equalized in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki bundled the ball into the net from close range after a deflected shot from Ibtissam Jraïdi. Despite strident efforts from both teams, neither side could find a winner in regular or extra time, forcing the match into penalties. Morocco held their nerve, converting all four of their spot-kicks through Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari. Ghana’s Evelyn Badu fired wide, and Comfort Yeboah’s effort was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. In the other semi-final, Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a spot in the final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa. Captain Rashidat Ajibade opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 45th minute, calmly converting a penalty to give the nine-time champions the lead just before halftime. South Africa responded after the break, with Linda Motlhalo equalizing from the spot in the 60th minute. However, Michelle Alozie sealed the win for Nigeria with a decisive goal in added time. The final between Morocco and Nigeria is set for Saturday, while Ghana will face South Africa in the third-place playoff on Friday. Morocco’s victory sets up a highly anticipated rematch against Nigeria, who are seeking to claim their 10th continental title.