6 days ago
Moroccan women's football team reaches AFCON 2024 final after thrilling win over Ghana
The Moroccan women's football team has secured their spot in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2024, marking their second consecutive appearance after 2022. They clinched their place by overcoming Ghana in a tense penalty shootout (4-2 on penalties, 1-1 after extra time) on Tuesday night at Rabat's Olympic Stadium.
Despite trailing in the first half, the Moroccan team demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, equalizing an hour into the match and ultimately earning their ticket to the final. There, they will face Nigeria, the nine-time African champions.
Morocco has remained unbeaten in this AFCON, with a draw against Zambia (2-2), an impressive offensive display against DR Congo (4-2), a narrow victory over Senegal (1-0), and a controlled win against Mali in the quarterfinals (3-1). Although they encountered challenges against Ghana, they have now set the stage for a highly anticipated final against Nigeria, whom they eliminated in the semifinals of the previous edition.
From the outset, the Moroccan team created several scoring opportunities, notably through Hanane Msoudi in the 5th minute and a shot from Hanane Aït Lhaj, which was deflected by the Ghanaian goalkeeper.
The Black Queens were not passive, however, and attempted to challenge Khadija Rmichi. A shot from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah forced Rmichi to make a save in the 10th minute, followed by a dangerous attempt from Stella Nyamekye in the 14th minute.
As the Moroccans sought to assert their dominance, Nyamekye managed to open the scoring for Ghana in the 26th minute.
After the break, national coach Jorge Vilda made several changes to invigorate the midfield, notably bringing on Najat Badri, who nearly scored in the 51st minute.
The numerous opportunities for the Moroccans finally paid off in the 55th minute with an equalizer from Sakina Azraoui.
During extra time, the changes made by Jorge Vilda, including the introduction of Fatima Tagnaout and Imane Saoud, were not enough to alter the course of the match, despite clear Moroccan dominance.
The penalty shootout provided another chance for the Atlas Lionesses to display their skill and composure, as the Moroccan players converted all their shots (4 out of 4), compared to 2 missed by the Ghanaians.
The final between Morocco and Nigeria, who earlier in the day eliminated South Africa (2-1), is set for next Saturday (9:00 PM) at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. The third-place match between South Africa and Ghana will be played the day before.
