Hosts Morocco secured their place in a second consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after defeating Ghana 4–2 on penalties in a tense semi-final encounter that ended 1–1 after extra time on Tuesday night at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
The dramatic win sees the Atlas Lionesses book a highly anticipated final clash against Nigeria on Saturday, as their quest for a maiden WAFCON title on home soil remains alive.
Meanwhile, Ghana will now prepare for the third-place playoff against South Africa on Friday.
Ghana started the encounter on the front foot, taking the lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye.
The midfielder capitalised on a loose ball inside the Moroccan box following a corner and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi to put the Black Queens ahead.
It was a deserved breakthrough for Kim Björkegren’s side, who looked sharper and more composed in the first half, carving out opportunities through Doris Boaduwaa, Princess Marfo, and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.
However, Morocco responded strongly after the interval, spurred on by a vibrant home crowd.
Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki slotted home from close range after sustained pressure and a deflected effort from Ibtissam Jraïdi.
The equaliser shifted the momentum in Morocco’s favour, but Ghana remained threatening on the counter. Princella Adubea and Alice Kusi both had opportunities to restore their side’s lead, while Morocco controlled possession in search of a winner.
Neither side could break the deadlock in regulation time, and extra time brought further tension and fatigue. Injuries disrupted both camps, with Morocco’s Fatima Tagnaout and Ghana’s Adubea requiring medical attention.
Ghana had a golden chance in the 100th minute when Evelyn Badu headed wide from close range. Morocco also came close through a speculative long-range effort from Anissa Lahmari, but the score remained level.
The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout. Morocco’s composure proved decisive, with Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Lahmari all converting their kicks.
Ghana’s Evelyn Badu sent her effort wide, and Comfort Yeboah saw her shot saved by Er-Rmichi.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the Moroccan players and supporters, as head coach Jorge Vilda guided the Atlas Lionesses to back-to-back WAFCON finals.
For Ghana, the result was a bitter blow after a strong display, but they will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff against defending champions South Africa, hoping to leave the tournament with a medal.