Morocco and Nigeria will face off in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, following hard-fought semi-final victories on Tuesday.
In Rabat, hosts Morocco overcame Ghana in a tense penalty shootout at the Stade Olympique, after the match ended 1-1 in extra time. Stella Nyameke had put Ghana ahead in the 26th minute, but Sakina Ouzraoui equalized for Morocco after the break. The Atlas Lionesses then held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties in front of a packed home crowd.
Earlier in Casablanca, Nigeria ended South Africa’s title defense with a dramatic 2-1 win. Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria the lead from the penalty spot just before halftime. Linda Motlhalo leveled for South Africa with a penalty of her own in the 60th minute.
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With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Michelle Alozie’s late free kick four minutes into stoppage time floated untouched into the net, sealing victory for the Super Falcons.
Ghana and South Africa will meet in the third-place playoff on Friday in Casablanca, with the final scheduled for Saturday in Rabat.
This edition of the tournament was delayed from last year to avoid clashing with the women’s football competition at the Paris Olympics. Morocco is also set to host the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for next year.
