Morocco Book WAFCON Final Rematch, Set to Face Nigeria After Penalty Drama

Atlas Lionesses Roar Into WAFCON Final After Holding Their Nerve Against Ghana

It took 120 minutes, a rollercoaster of emotions, and a flawless penalty shootout, but Morocco are headed to the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. Their prize? A chance to rewrite history — against none other than Nigeria.

The Olympic Stadium in Rabat was packed with expectation on Tuesday night, as home fans witnessed a tense semifinal that ended 1-1 after extra time before Morocco clinched a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout.

From Heartbreak in 2022 to a Shot at Redemption

Two years ago, the Atlas Lionesses saw their WAFCON dreams crushed on home soil when South Africa edged them out in the final. That sting still lingers, but this year’s squad is determined to script a different ending.

With Nigeria — Africa’s most decorated women’s football team — standing in their way, the stage is set for a blockbuster rematch with championship glory hanging in the balance.

Ghana Came to Play

It was Ghana who struck first in the semifinal, and it looked like they might silence the Rabat crowd altogether. After testing Morocco’s keeper Khadija Errmichi early on, the Black Queens took a deserved lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye, who pounced on a rebound to tap in from close range.

Ghana’s dominance in the first half was undeniable. Quick passing, solid pressing, and confident forward movement made Morocco look shaky for long spells.

Morocco Turn the Tide

But champions respond — and Morocco did just that. The second half saw a spirited turnaround, with substitute Najat Badri helping shift the momentum. Just ten minutes after the restart, Sakina Ouzraoui capitalised on a high ball in the box, beating Ghana’s keeper Cynthia Konlan to stab it home for 1-1.

From that point, Morocco grew stronger, applying pressure with every surge forward. While both teams had moments in extra time, neither could find the winner, sending the match to penalties.

 Penalty Precision Under Pressure

The shootout could’ve gone either way, but Morocco were ice-cold from the spot. All four of their takers converted. Ghana faltered under the pressure, with Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah missing their attempts.

As the final Moroccan penalty rippled the net, the stadium erupted. The Atlas Lionesses had done it — they’d fought back from behind, held their composure, and earned their place in the final.

Social media reacts: #LionessesOnTheHunt trends

Moroccan fans flooded X with celebrations. The hashtag #LionessesOnTheHunt trended across North Africa, with fans posting clips of the winning penalty and emotional reactions from the stands.

One user posted: “2022 was pain. 2025 is our time. Bring on Nigeria!”
Another added: “This team has grown. We BELIEVE!”

Even rival fans tipped their hats, praising the Atlas Lionesses’ composure and team spirit.

Final Showdown: Nigeria vs Morocco

And now, the biggest test awaits. Nigeria — 11-time WAFCON champions — have been ruthless in their run to the final, dismissing reigning champs South Africa along the way.

But Morocco have the home crowd, the momentum, and the fire to finally flip the script.

Will it be redemption in Rabat? Or another Super Falcons celebration?

One thing’s for sure: WAFCON 2025 is delivering the drama African football fans live for.

Source:Super Sport

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