Hosts Morocco overcome Ghana on penalties to qualify for WAFCON final

2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco will face Nigeria in the final after overcoming a stern challenge from the Black Queens of Ghana with Tuesday evening’s 4-2 victory in penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

In a fiercely contested encounter, both sides tested each other’s defensive mettle with some scoring chances.

However, it was Ghana who looked slightly better in terms of the chances created with Doris Boaduwaa and Stella Nyamekye threatening their opponents area. A well floated free kick from Grace Asantewaa saw Josephine Bonsu produce a perfectly placed header that went off the post and barely crossed the line in the 26th minute.

The opening goal paved the way for the Black Queens to increase their tally but two clear chances by Doris Boaduwaa and Grace Asantewaa went wayward, ending the first half 1-0 for the West African side.

Morocco came stronger in search of the equalizer in the second half but Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan kept all the incessant pressure under control. Ghana’s defence lost concentration momentarily whic saw Sakina Ouzraoui bundle in the equalizer in the 58th minute after a long ball caused issues for a hesitant Black Queens defense.

Ghana coiled into their shells from then, allowing the Moroccans to dictate the pace which equally did not produce any more goals to close the full time at 1-1. A high ball in the 100th minute caused Morocco keeper Khadija Errmichi all sorts of issues but she escaped without conceding. Morocco then produced a perfect performance in the penalty shootout to confirm their place in the final.

The Atlas Lionesses will now face Nigeria in the final on Saturday in the same venue (19:00 GMT). Ghana will take on South Africa in the third place game on Friday at the Stade Larbi Zouali in Casablanca (19:00 GMT).