The much-anticipated “Best Jollof” showdown between Nigeria and Ghana at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will not materialize. On a gripping Tuesday night in Rabat, host nation Morocco ended Ghana’s dream with a dramatic 4-2 victory on penalties after a pulsating semi-final ended 1-1 after extra time.
In front of a charged crowd at Stade Moulay Abdellah, the Atlas Lionesses showed composure and resilience, coming from behind and holding firm under pressure to book a second consecutive WAFCON final appearance.
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Ghana had taken the lead in the 26th minute when midfielder Stella Nyamekye capitalized on a loose ball inside the Moroccan box, firing past goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi after a corner. The Black Queens started brightly, with quick interplay and attacking threats from Doris Boaduwaa, Princess Marfo, and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah troubling the Moroccan defence.
However, the hosts responded after halftime. Inspired by the home crowd, Morocco pressed higher, and their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki poked in the equalizer following a chaotic goalmouth scramble and deflected shot from Ibtissam Jraïdi.
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With the scores level, both sides pressed for a winner in a thrilling end-to-end contest. Ghana remained dangerous on the counter, particularly through Alice Kusi and Princella Adubea. In extra time, fatigue crept in, and injuries forced substitutions. Ghana’s Evelyn Badu missed a golden chance in the 100th minute, heading narrowly wide, while Morocco’s final attempt—a long-range strike from Yasmin Mrabet—drifted over the bar.
When the match couldn’t be decided in 120 minutes, it came down to penalties.
Morocco kept their cool. Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari converted their spot kicks. Meanwhile, Ghana faltered—Evelyn Badu missed her attempt, and Comfort Yeboah’s effort was superbly saved by Er-Rmichi, who emerged as the night’s hero.
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Jubilant scenes followed as Morocco sealed a dream final date with Nigeria, the defending champions, on Saturday. It’s a continuation of a remarkable journey for coach Jorge Vilda’s side, who are aiming to lift their first-ever WAFCON title on home soil.
Ghana, meanwhile, will shift focus to Friday’s third-place playoff against South Africa—a final opportunity to end their campaign on a positive note.
