On the Road to Glory: Morocco Face Ghana, South Africa Reignite Rivalry with Nigeria
On Tuesday, two high-stakes semifinals take center stage, Morocco vs Ghana at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat and South Africa vs Nigeria in the cauldron of Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Morocco vs Ghana: Ambition Meets Determination
Three years ago, Morocco reached the final on home soil, reigniting national pride in women's football. In 2025, the Atlas Lionesses have matured, stronger and more composed. With a packed Olympic Stadium behind them, Jorge Vilda's side has shown new-found maturity. Their 3-1 quarterfinal win over Mali, powered by an Ibtissam Jraïdi brace, reinforced their momentum. 'This team knows how to endure and strike at the right time. There's chemistry, there's soul,' said Vilda post-match.
However, a different challenge awaits. Ghana has maintained relentless intensity throughout the tournament. The Black Queens, led by goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, hero of their penalty shootout win against Algeria (0-0, 4-2 on penalties)—are a team on a mission. Head coach Kim Björkegren has been clear: 'This team has been underestimated for too long. We want to shake things up.'
In the group stage, Ghana emerged from a tough pool with South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, conceding just two goals and finishing with four points. They've since ridden a wave of self-belief, exemplified by playmaker Alice Kusi and the energetic Chantelle Boye—a mix of experience and fierce ambition.
Statistically, Morocco boasts one of the tournament's best attacks (10 goals in four matches), while Ghana holds the best defensive record (only two goals conceded). The matchup is finely balanced. Home advantage might tilt the scales, but Ghana remains unfazed. 'Playing the host nation is exciting, not pressure,' Kusi smiled.
South Africa vs Nigeria: A Final Before the Final
This is a classic rivalry, one etched into the very fabric of the CAF TotalEnergies Women's AFCON. Nigeria has impressed with its discipline: three group wins, four goals scored, none conceded, and a commanding 5-0 quarterfinal demolition of Zambia. Within a cohesive squad, full-back Michelle Alozie and midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade have stood out, while Esther Okoronkwo, the tournament's top assist provider with three, continues to rise.
On the other side, Desiree Ellis has instilled her methodical approach. South Africa faced hurdles but endured. After a 1-1 group draw with Tanzania, they edged Senegal on penalties (0-0, 4-1) in the quarterfinals, thanks to the brilliance of goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Still, there's more to this team than meets the eye. Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Lebogang Ramalepe are all capable of turning the game on its head. The possession-heavy style that once seemed toothless now looks sharper, and the squad seems to be reliving the spirit of their 2022 triumph. 'There's a fire, a collective memory. We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria,' Ellis insisted.
By the numbers, Nigeria dominates most categories: best attack (nine goals), best defense (no goals conceded). However, their most recent meeting in the CAF Women's AFCON ended in a 2-1 victory for South Africa.
The final four of this 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations encapsulates everything promising about African women's football. Morocco dreams of its first title. Ghana seeks a return to glory. South Africa eyes back-to-back crowns. Nigeria is out to remind everyone who's boss.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
10 hours ago
- CAF
McCarthy unveils final Kenya squad for TotalEnergies CHAN 2024
Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final 25-man squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which kicks off in less than two weeks. The Harambee Stars have been in camp for the past fortnight, with McCarthy trimming the group from an initial 30 players. He also made several late call-ups after the first week of training, ensuring his side is well-prepared ahead of the continental tournament, which is reserved exclusively for players active in domestic leagues. Among the key inclusions is striker Masoud Juma, who recently returned to the local league after a spell abroad. Juma is expected to lead Kenya's frontline during the tournament and will be a central figure in the team's attacking efforts. Captain Aboud Omar, goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, defenders Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, and Daniel Sakari, as well as midfielders Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo, bring valuable experience from previous senior national team appearances. A notable inclusion is 18-year-old Austin Odongo, who plays for Shabana FC in the Kenyan Premier League. A late addition to the squad, Odongo is the youngest member of the team and is poised to make his senior international debut. Teenage defender Manzur Suleiman, 19, who was part of Kenya's Rising Stars squad at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), also makes the cut and adds youthful energy to the squad's defensive line. Kenya will open their CHAN 2024 campaign against Democratic Republic of Congo on August 3 at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, with home support expected to boost the Harambee Stars' ambitions. Harambee Stars – Final 25-Man Squad for TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu Midfielders: Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
CAF
19 hours ago
- CAF
Morocco vs Nigeria: Dreaming of One, Chasing 10
The TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 has reached the business end with hosts Morocco booking their spot in a second consecutive final where they will face nine-time record African champions Nigeria on Saturday, July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams at the WAFCON with the Atlas Lionesses emerging victorious in their last meeting: a 5-4 win after a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the semifinals of the WAFCON 2022 in Rabat. Rookies to serious title contenders When Morocco embarked on an intentional Women's Football Strategy five years ago, winning major trophies was part of the plan. And ahead of this weekend's final, it is not a surprise to any Moroccan that the team is standing up tall against the best teams in Africa. Prior to the 2022 edition, Morocco had made two appearances at the continent's biggest showpiece amassing a win and a draw in two editions – in 1998 and 2000 while conceding 22 goals and scoring five. In their third appearance – this time at home in front of their fans, they went to the final but fell to a very well-oiled South African side 1-2. They are back now – bigger, stronger and ready to fight again and give something to their fans who have filled the Olympic Stadium to the brim every match day in Rabat. The leadership of captain Ghizlane Chebbak, the individual brilliance and growth of Fatima Tagnaout, Sanaa Mssoudy, Ibtissam Jraidi and Sakina Ouzraoui within the team collective has been a revelation to the Moroccan fans who are now scrambling to buy tickets for the final to witness what could be history – a first WAFCON title. They believe their dreams are valid. An AFCON title in 1976 for the Atlas Lions is the best Morocco has amassed coupled with a first ever semifinal finish for an African team at a FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is what the current generation can relate to as success for their football teams on the global scene. The weight of these dreams is what the Atlas Lionesses believe they can deliver when they come up against a resilient and dominant Nigerian outfit. Their journey in 2025 has been yet another fairytale – coming from behind twice to hold a strong Zambian side to a 2-2 draw in their opener to seeing off DR Congo 4-2 thanks to a Chebbak hattrick before edging Senegal 1-0 in a tightly contested game to finish top of Group A. The Atlas Lionesses looked comfortable as they cruised to a convincing 3-1 win against Mali to set up a date with Ghana in the semifinals. The Black Queens tested their resolve on the day, taking the game to extra time and penalties. It took goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi's magic to deny teenage sensation Comfort Yeboah and an Evelyn Badu miss earlier for the Atlas Lionesses to progress to the coveted final. In their journey to the final, Morocco have scored an impressive 11 goals while conceding in every match they have played – a total of six goals. Er-Rmichi is yet to keep a clean sheet. Whatever happens, Morocco have shown once again that they belong to the big stage after years of building a team that is hungry to write history. Mission X in sight Social media has been abuzz with talk of a Mission X for the Super Falcons of Nigeria for months now. All stakeholders are locked in on this undertaking. For the players, they have shown that they are the team to beat every time that they have stepped onto the field. Group B leaders after three games with seven points from a 3-0 win over Tunisia, a 1-0 victory over Botswana and a goalless draw with Algeria. The Super Falcons booked their place in the quarterfinals marking a 13th straight time that they have made it out of the group stages at the WAFCON since the first edition of the continent's biggest showpiece in 1998. A convincing 5-0 victory over Zambia in the last eight in what was anticipated to be a tightly contested encounter sent a clear message to any doubters that the Super Falcons are not only the most decorated team on the African continent – female or male but they are also serious title contenders. At the heart of this campaign, captain Rasheedat Ajibade has proven that pedigree and hunger for more success is what sets Nigeria apart – year in, year out. The 25-year-old, who features for Atletico Madrid in Spain, has earned three Woman of the Match Awards in five games – the only player to achieve this at the current edition. Ajibade, who won her first WAFCON in 2018 at the age of 18, will be key to her team's search for a 10th continental title to further extend their dominance in Africa. Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu, however, will also have to rely on the experience of the old guard including the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie who has only conceded once this edition – a penalty from South Africa's Linda Motlhalo and the hunger of WAFCON debutants who have impressed so far like Assist Queen Esther Okoronkwo who has amassed four assists in five games. The Super Falcons have never lost a WAFCON final – nine finals and nine WAFCON titles. To say that this has been impressive over the last 12 editions is an understatement. However, against Morocco on Saturday, they will not only look for their 10th title but will also be motivated to protect their legacy.
CAF
a day ago
- CAF
Ouzraoui Diki: A Midfield Marvel Blending European Craft with Moroccan Passion
In one of the most captivating contests of the 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Sakina Ouzraoui Diki rose to the occasion on Tuesday, guiding Morocco to a hard-fought 1–1 draw with Ghana before edging the Black Queens 4–2 on penalties to reach their second consecutive WAFCON final. Her dominant second-half display, crowned with a well-taken equalizer, earned her the Player of the Match award and set up a tantalizing final against Nigeria. 'This trophy is for the team because without the team you would never be here or be the best or be anything. I am happy that I have this team. They worked hard and give everything on the pitch. We are going for the final,' Diki exclusively told 'I am proud about my family. They push me forward a lot. I think I have the best family in my life and in the world. They are always with me and supporting me. This trophy is for them because without them, I would never be here.' Blending Cultures, Building a Career: From Belgium to Spain Diki's journey to WAFCON stardom is shaped by an international upbringing and elite football education. Born in Spain, raised in Belgium, and a former youth international for the Red Flames at U16 and U18 levels, Diki has matured through top European systems—especially during a key development spell with Club Brugge. 'Belgium was also a great experience. It was not the best but great experience. I learnt a lot of things there. I think when I played for Club Brugge, it was my season there,' she opened up. 'I think I learned a lot and grew as a player and person. I learned one thing or the other from those experiences. Sometimes you play from the bench. Sometimes you are starting, but I am happy about my works there and at this WAFCON. I am so happy and Inshallah hope we win the title.' Now at Costa Adeje Tenerife in Spanish Liga F, Diki finds herself fulfilling a personal ambition while writing a new chapter with Morocco on the continental stage. Vildah Extols Diki's Late Semifinal Match-Winner Diki's powerful finish in the second half pulled the hosts level, while Morocco trailed early after Stella Nyamekye converted a first-half penalty for Ghana. With the score locked at 1–1 after regulation, the Atlas Lionesses held their nerve in the shootout to win 4–2 and seal a rematch with Nigeria—the team they narrowly defeated via penalties in the 2022 semifinals. 'I want to say congratulations to Ouzraoui for the award. She played a crucial role in our win over Ghana and the victory was very well fought for. The Ghanaian team were physical but we played collectively and eventually won,' said Morocco coach Jorge Vilda. 'We worked hard to make it to the final. I am thinking about the Nigerian team that we will be playing in the final. I think she and everyone in the team worked hard to be in the final.' Familiar Faces Await as Morocco Set Sights on Nigeria The final clash with Nigeria will be a personal one for Diki, who will come up against country of her former club teammate Gift Monday and current Tenerife colleague Rinsola Babajide. Despite the stakes, she speaks with admiration and deep respect for both players and the Nigerian team at large. 'I have a lot of respect for Nigerian people. They are really respectful. Gift Monday is my friend and a good person. Really good football player. Unfortunate that she is not at this WAFCON. That's football. All the best to Rinsola Babajide. Let's see on Saturday.' Her remarkable understanding of the Spanish style, combined with the North African spirit of Morocco, makes her a unique midfield force heading into Saturday's showdown. Family, Faith, and the Power of Support For Diki, her journey is not just about individual brilliance—it's about those who stand with her off the pitch. She attributes her success to a strong support system and a coach who has placed his full trust in her abilities. 'It makes it easy working with a Spanish coach. He is a good coach. Someone who give me a lot of confidence. He believes in me in this WAFCON. I am trying to give him back. I think I am doing well and trying to be better. I hope I help the team more in the final to win this trophy.' Her husband, Nabil Chajari, added a final touch of emotion and belief in her journey. 'She deserves it and worked hard because she had a good partner in her life who always pushes her to be better and best on the pitch,' he exclusively told "We deserve the title with the hard work of the team and Moroccan people behind the team pushing them to be champions.' With the final now set, Morocco vs Nigeria on Saturday night in Rabat, all eyes will be on Diki to once again lead by example and inspire the host nation to their first WAFCON title.
