Nigeria's Super Falcons will face the hosts, Morocco, in the final of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday, July 26, in Rabat.
The Falcons triumphed over long-time rivals South Africa in a thrilling semi-final clash on Tuesday, defeating the Banyana Banyana 2-1 at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 45th minute to give Nigeria the lead, and South Africa equalized through a penalty of their own by Linda Motlhalo in the 60th minute. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Deborah Abiodun netted in the 94th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the Nigerian squad and their supporters.
Falcons' Unbeaten Path to the Final
Nigeria's journey to the final was marked by a dominant performance. In Group B, the Super Falcons showcased their defensive prowess and attacking strength, kicking off their campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Tunisia on Sunday, July 6. They followed this with a 1-0 victory against Botswana on Thursday, July 10, and were held to a 0-0 draw against Algeria in the last group match on Sunday, July 13, topping their group with seven points, and conceding no goals.
In the quarter-finals on Friday, July 18, the Super Falcons delivered a resounding performance, crushing Zambia 5-0 to advance to the semi-finals. Their victory over South Africa on Tuesday, July 22, solidified their unbeaten run and set the stage for a shot at a record-extending tenth WAFCON title.
Morocco's Home Advantage and Road to the Final
The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco earned their place in the final after a dramatic semi-final encounter against Ghana, also played on Tuesday, July 22, in Rabat. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Stella Nyamekye scoring for Ghana in the 26th minute and Sakina Ouzraoui Diki equalizing for Morocco in the 55th minute. Morocco ultimately prevailed 4-2 in a tense penalty shootout, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Starting in Group A, Morocco's first match ended in a 4-2 win over DR Congo on Wednesday, July 9. They then drew 2-2 with Zambia on Saturday, July 6, and defeated Senegal 1-0 on Saturday, July 12, to top their group.
The Atlas Lionesses overcame Mali in the quarter-finals, with a 3-1 victory on Friday, July 18, before their dramatic semi-final win against Ghana. The final on Saturday promises to be a captivating contest between two of Africa's strongest women's football nations.
