Host nation Morocco and nine-time champions Nigeria are set to clash in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after both teams survived tense semifinal encounters on Tuesday night.
Morroco victory
In Rabat, the Atlas Lionesses held their nerve to edge Ghana 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time. It was a dramatic night at Stade Moulay Abdellah, where goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi emerged as the hero by saving Comfort Yeboah’s spot kick and helping Morocco book a place in their second consecutive WAFCON final.
Ghana took an early lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye, who pounced on a loose ball after a scramble in the box. Morocco responded in the 55th minute as forward Sakina Ouzraoui Diki controlled a deflected pass and slotted home from close range to level the score.
Despite a flurry of chances from both sides, including a missed header by Ghana’s Evelyn Badu in extra time—the deadlock persisted until the shootout. Morocco’s Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari all converted their penalties, while Ghana faltered with two misses.
The result sent the Rabat crowd into wild celebration as Jorge Vilda’s side continued their impressive rise in African women’s football, aiming to lift their first-ever WAFCON trophy on home soil.
Nigeria edged past South Africa
Earlier in Casablanca, the Super Falcons of Nigeria overcame defending champions South Africa 2-1 in another nail-biting encounter.
Nigeria took the lead just before halftime after Rasheedat Ajibade coolly converted a penalty awarded for a handball in the box. South Africa, determined to retain their title, drew level in the 60th minute through Linda Motlhalo’s spot-kick.
The game appeared destined for extra time until the dying moments of stoppage time, when Michelle Alozie launched a hopeful long ball from distance. With two Nigerian players lurking in front of the goal, the ball bounced untouched past the South African goalkeeper to seal a dramatic win for Randy Waldrum’s side.
Redemption
It was a moment of redemption for the Super Falcons, who finished fourth in the 2022 edition and entered this tournament under the mantra of “Mission X”—a push for their tenth continental title.
Nigeria had earlier dispatched Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals without conceding a goal, while South Africa advanced to the semis after edging Senegal on penalties.
Meanwhile, the third-place playoff will see Ghana face South Africa on Friday, with both sides seeking consolation after agonising exits.
As anticipation builds for Saturday’s final, all eyes will be on Rabat, where Nigeria’s seasoned champions and Morocco’s hungry challengers are set to battle for African women’s football supremacy.
