Hosts Morocco to take on Nigeria in African women's final
Hosts Morocco edged Ghana on penalties at Rabat's Stade Olympique while earlier Nigeria ended the reign of defending champions South Africa with a last-gasp 2-1 victory in their clash in Casablanca.
Michelle Alozie's floating free kick was missed by both the onrushing Nigerian attacker and the South African goalkeeper and floated into the net for the winner four minutes into stoppage time.
Rasheedat Ajibade had given nine-time winners Nigeria the lead from the penalty-spot on the stroke of halftime, before South Africa struck back with a spotkick of their own in the 60th minute, converted by Linda Motlhalo.
Just as it seemed extra time would be needed, Alozie floated a cross deep into the box that beat South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini who was under pressure from two Nigerian forwards.
Ghana had not been given much chance against Morocco, who were supported by a capacity crowd, but took a 26th-minute lead through Stella Nyameke.
Morocco came back to equalise after halftime through Sakina Ouzraoui and then won 4-2 on penalties after extra time.Ghana and South Africa will decide third place in Casablanca on Friday with the final in Rabat on Saturday.
The tournament was originally set for last year but postponed because it clashed with the women's soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics.
The next Women's Cup of Nations is scheduled to be played in Morocco again next year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
11 hours ago
- CNA
Wiegman hails most chaotic tournament ever
BASEL, Switzerland :Sarina Wiegman broke into a celebratory dance when Chloe Kelly struck the winning penalty in Sunday's shootout to help England clinch a second consecutive Women's Euros title, capping a wild ride that the coach called the most chaotic tournament ever. The 55-year-old, who is under contract with England through 2027, had already made history by becoming the first football manager to coach in five consecutive major tournament finals. Euro 2025 proved to be a roller-coaster of emotions for Wiegman, with England fighting back to win all three knockout games in extra time or a shootout, including the final in which they beat world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. "This has been the most chaotic tournament, from the first game there was chaos … turns out we love football chaos!" a jubilant Wiegman said. Asked how she plans to celebrate, she said: "Maybe with some more dancing. I might have a drink but I will not be drinking as much as the players." Wiegman's players had raved about her motivational speeches throughout the tournament, and she must have delivered another memorable one on Sunday. "The main message was enjoy it," said Wiegman, who completed a hat-trick of Euro triumphs on Sunday having also guided her native Netherlands to the 2017 title. "We've got so far now in this tournament. I think we all created something again together. So these are the moments where you dream of, well some couldn't even dream of because it wasn't possible when they were little kids. "But go out there and enjoy it and play your very best game." There was controversy in the weeks leading up to the tournament after Euro 2022 winning goalkeeper Mary Earps announced her international retirement. She had recently lost her starting job to Hannah Hampton. But Hampton was brilliant in Switzerland, including in the two shootouts and was named player of the match on Sunday after saving two penalties from Spanish players and making several other key saves. "Every player has their one story and journey and hers has been incredible," Wiegman said. "Starting the tournament and losing the first game, there was so much riding on every game, we had five finals. She had to step up and I think she has been amazing. "It's a little bit like a fairytale to stop those two penalties (during the shootout) in the final." England lost their opening game to France, but preached about confidence and not giving up since that night, and their tournament was a remarkable show of resilience. They led for a total of just four minutes through their three knockout matches. "It's been incredible," Wiegman said. "Around in the camp, the training sessions, everything about the team was very calm. "Just the games were chaotic and very close and tight and we were behind in a lot of games. We lost the first game, but then afterwards it was all very calm." Michelle Agyemang, the 19-year-old who scored late goals in the quarter-final and semi-final, won the Young Player of the Tournament award.
CNA
12 hours ago
- CNA
Kelly a fitting hero in England's gritty Euro victory
MANCHESTER, England :It almost felt like football fate when Chloe Kelly stepped up to the penalty spot on Sunday against Spain, with the chance to make history for England in clinching their second consecutive women's European Championship title. The 27-year-old, who had been doubtful to make Sarina Wiegman's Euros team only six months ago, did her trademark run-up, lifting her left leg and skipping onto her right, before launching a powerful shot into the top corner. "Incredible game of football. I just came onto the pitch and wanted to make something happen," Kelly said. "Of course, taking the penalty, I actually missed three in training yesterday, (but) it's the belief in this squad, I'm really proud to be English right now and proud to be part of an amazing group of girls." Kelly was the hero in England's 2022 victory at Wembley, scoring in extra time before famously twirling her shirt above her head in celebration. She came to the Lionesses' rescue several times in Switzerland, scoring in the shootout in their quarter-final victory over Sweden, and smashing home her own rebound of a missed penalty against Italy in the semis. "I was cool, I was composed and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice," she said of her winning spot-kick. Kelly's Switzerland story is remarkable considering back in January there were doubts she would make the Euros squad. She was barely playing for Manchester City and made a public plea to leave the club. She called them "dark days". Kelly's plea worked as she spent the rest of the season on a successful loan spell with Arsenal. "I'm so grateful to be out the back end," Kelly said. "But if that's a story to tell someone that maybe experiences something the same that tough times don't last. "Thank to everyone who wrote me off. I'm grateful." Wiegman wrapped the crying Kelly in a long embrace. "Everybody brings something different and she brings this," Wiegman said. "She has been fighting to come back and to be at her highest level. She really wanted to take that penalty of course, and celebrate that." Kelly did not wait long to celebrate. Before starting a television interview, she grabbed the mic to sing along to "Sweet Caroline" being belted out by the England crowd at St Jakob-Park. "It is going to be crazy," she said of the reception back home. "I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it." The Lionesses, who lost to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, have talked about legacy in Switzerland.
CNA
13 hours ago
- CNA
Bonmati crushed after Spain's shootout defeat by England
Spain playmaker Aitana Bonmati cut a disconsolate figure as she picked up her Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2025 on Sunday, minutes after her side finished as runners-up after losing a penalty shootout to England in the final. Bonmati bounced back from a meningitis scare ahead of the tournament to play a crucial role in Spain's progress to the final. However, on Sunday Spain struggled to unlock the England defence and Bonmati missed her spot-kick in the shootout as she slumped to another painful defeat following her club side Barcelona's Champions League final loss to Arsenal in May. "It's hard to see you right now," she told reporters. "Two months ago I found myself in this situation with the club. You have to value more when things are going well, we have been better on the pitch, not on penalties," she said. The 27-year-old apologised to the Spanish people for not being able to deliver a victory against an England side that was no match for them in terms of skill, but who refused to give up. "I assume my part of my responsibility, I play for the team and for many more people. There is no point in playing a better game and missing penalties," she said. "For me, England is a team capable of not playing well and winning. There are teams that don't need much to win." England took the chance they were offered and though Spain found themselves on the losing side, Bonmati was philosophical. "We haven't lost a game (in 90 minutes), we have received support and I feel bad about that too. We have won off the field of play and that is valuable too," she explained, before promising to come back stronger.
