Morocco shatter Ghana’s WAFCON final dream in dramatic penalty shootout

Hosts Morocco secured their place in a second consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after edging Ghana 4-2 on penalties in a tense semi-final clash that ended 1-1 after extra time in Rabat on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

The Atlas Lionesses held their nerve in the shootout, with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi making a crucial save and two Ghanaian players missing their spot-kicks. The result sets up a high-stakes final against Nigeria on Saturday, while Ghana will face South Africa in the third-place playoff on Friday.

In a fiercely contested match at Stade Moulay Abdellah, it was Ghana who struck first through Stella Nyamekye in the 26th minute. The midfielder capitalised on a loose ball following a corner, firing past Er-Rmichi to give the Black Queens a deserved lead.

Kim Björkegren’s side made a strong start, showing composure and attacking intent with chances falling to Doris Boaduwaa, Princess Marfo, and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.

Morocco, spurred on by a vocal home crowd, responded with urgency after the break. Their pressure paid off in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki bundled home from close range after a deflected shot by Ibtissam Jraïdi.

The equaliser sparked a shift in momentum, with Morocco dominating possession, though Ghana remained dangerous on the counter. Princella Adubea and Alice Kusi both came close late in the second half, but neither side could find a winner in regulation time.

Extra time brought more drama and fatigue, with injuries forcing several substitutions. Morocco’s Fatima Tagnaout and Ghana’s Adubea both needed treatment. Evelyn Badu missed a golden chance in the 100th minute, heading wide from close range, while Morocco’s Kenza Chapelle saw her long-range effort sail just over the bar.

With the match still deadlocked after 120 minutes, the tie went to penalties. Morocco converted all four of their spot-kicks through Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari. Ghana faltered, with Badu firing wide and Comfort Yeboah’s effort saved by Er-Rmichi.

The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among Moroccan players and fans, as Jorge Vilda’s team celebrated a second straight WAFCON final appearance and kept their dream of a first continental title alive.

For Ghana, it was a bitter end to a spirited campaign, but they’ll have one last chance for redemption in the third-place match against South Africa.