Rabat — Morocco’s Lionesses dominated Ghana’s Black Queens 4-2 in penalty kicks to qualify for the final of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
In a dramatic first half at Rabat’s Stade Olympique, Ghana stunned the host country with a breakthrough just before the interval.
The Black Queens, enjoying only their second-ever WAFCON semi-final, showed early discipline and resilience against a Morocco side brimming with home advantage.
Ghana’s Stella Nyamekye scored the match’s opener in the 26th minute from a swift counter‑attack that caught the Atlas Lionesses off balance.
Despite boasting the tournament’s best scoring record and a potent frontline led by Ghizlane Chebbak and Ibtissam Jraidi, the lionesses found Ghana’s Black Queens forming a stubborn defense.
The hosts remained in control of possession following a high-tempo start, but fatigue is creeping into their play.
Following a tense 10 minutes to the second half, Morocco responded as Sakina Ouzraoui leveled the score in the 55th minute with a composed finish just inside the box.
The second half unfolded as a tense tug of war between both sides, with neither able to break the deadlock. As the final whistle blew, the score remained unchanged, sending the match into extra time.
Despite recurrent attempts to penetrate Ghana’s strong defence, Atlas Lionesses never succeeded to reach the net during the second half of extra time.
The extra time ended in an unbreakable 1-1 stalemate, leaving fans from both sides on edge as they watched penalty kicks, where fortune often plays as much of a role as skill.
In the penalty kicks, Morocco’s goal keeper Khadija Er-Rmichi saved the third shoutout securing her team a ticket to the final match.
With this win, Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses are set to lock horns with Nigeria to dispute the 2024 WAFCON title.
