Morocco Reach WAFCON 2024 Final After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win Over Ghana
Rabat, July 22, 2025
The Moroccan women’s national football team has secured a place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dramatic victory over Ghana in the semi-final played at the Rabat Olympic Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The match ended 1–1 after extra time, with Morocco triumphing 4–2 in the penalty shootout, sending the home crowd into rapturous celebration.
A tense and emotional semi-final
Ghana took the lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye, who finished a well-executed move to put the Black Queens ahead. But Morocco responded strongly in the second half. In the 55th minute, Sakina Ouzraoui equalized with a composed finish inside the box, reigniting the hopes of the Atlas Lionesses.
Despite several chances for both sides during extra time, neither team managed to find the winner.
Penalty shootout drama
In the shootout, the Moroccan players showed remarkable composure, converting four of their spot-kicks. Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi emerged as a hero once again, saving one penalty and putting pressure on the Ghanaians, who missed twice.
With a 4–2 shootout win, Morocco clinched a spot in the final for the second consecutive WAFCON — a historic feat for the nation’s rapidly growing women’s football program.
“We played with heart and discipline,” said Morocco coach Reynald Pedros after the match. “We knew Ghana would be tough, but the girls stayed focused. Now we’re ready for the biggest challenge — the final.”
A final showdown with Nigeria
The final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), taking place in 2025, will be held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat — a symbolic venue that has become a fortress for the Atlas Lionesses throughout the tournament.
The much-anticipated clash between Morocco and Nigeria is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 PM local time (GMT+1), which corresponds to 10:00 PM Central European Time (CET).
The stadium is expected to be at full capacity, with thousands of fans creating an electric atmosphere for what promises to be a historic night in African women’s football.
