Titans clash in WAFCON semis:
The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has reached fever pitch, and the semi-finals promise nothing short of drama, quality and fierce rivalry as four of the continent’s best lock horns in Casablanca and Rabat.
At the heart of the action are four teams with contrasting legacies but shared ambition. For Ghanaians, all eyes will be on a resurgent Black Queens who face the host, Morocco, in what promises to be a tactical chess match in Rabat.
Before then, record nine-time champions Nigeria will rekindle their fierce rivalry with holders South Africa in a high-stakes showdown in Casablanca.
Underdogs seek to silence hosts
At Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, the spotlight falls on Morocco, who continue their quest for a second consecutive WAFCON final on home soil but have a determined Ghana side that have already exceeded the expectations of their new coach, Kim Björkegren, standing in their way.
This will be the first competitive WAFCON clash between the two nations but the rivalry was rekindled earlier this year when the two met in a friendly — Björkegren’s first match in charge — which ended with a narrow win for Morocco, 1-0, with a last-gasp winner.
“Now I know them. It was my first game with Ghana against Morocco. It was a tough match but we had our chances.
We could have won,” the Swedish tactician reflected at the pre-match press conference, keeping his cards close to his chest about possible tactical tweaks.
Now with much more at stake, the tactical battle between Björkegren and Morocco’s Jorge Vilda, Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning coach, adds another layer of intrigue and suspense.
Ghana, making their seventh appearance in the WAFCON semi-finals, are desperate to end their hoodoo of falling at this stage, especially against host nations. Morocco, runners-up in 2022, are eyeing back-to-back finals, something only Nigeria have previously achieved.
Ghana’s campaign began in doubt but the Queens have battled their way into the final four.
Their backline, anchored by Portia Boakye, Susan Duah and Comfort Yeboah, showed marked improvement in the quarter-final win over Algeria.
However, communication will be key in stifling Morocco’s attacking threats and avoiding unnecessary fouls, particularly inside the box, where the hosts have been awarded penalties in each of their four matches so far.
Set-pieces could also be decisive—Morocco have earned penalties in all four matches so far, aided by their attacking relentlessness and a partisan home crowd.
In midfield, Stella Nyamekye’s dynamism and Alice Kusi’s experience could be the difference-makers.
Ghana must keep possession in the Moroccan half, press high when necessary, and avoid the long balls that cost them earlier in the tournament.
On current form, Morocco enter as slight favourites. Led by the prolific Ghizlane Chebbak, the competition’s leading scorer with four goals, Atlas Lionesses have scored 10 times from open play in just four matches.
But their firepower has been offset by a shaky backline that has conceded five goals. That vulnerability offers Ghana a lifeline.
While Morocco are compact and cohesive, the Queens must be fearless and calculated. Both sides favour attacking football, but Ghana must impose their tempo, resist long hopeful balls, and look to dominate territory in the final third.
Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, despite her experience, has shown signs of indecision under pressure—an area Ghana’s forwards must look to exploit. Stella Nyamekye, a standout performer against Algeria, could be handed a starting role, with Alice Kusi also pushing for a return to the XI to provide leadership and composure in midfield.
Heavyweight showdown in Casablanca
If ever there was a “final before the final”, this is it. Nigeria versus South Africa—two giants of African women’s football with history, hunger and high stakes on the line.
The Super Falcons have pedigree on their side, having lifted the trophy a staggering nine times.
But South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are the reigning champions, having dethroned Nigeria with a 2-1 win in 2022 en route to their maiden title.
This semi-final marks a mouth-watering rematch, and for Coach Desiree Ellis, it is personal.
“There’s a fire, a collective memory. We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria,” she said defiantly.
Yet, the task is monumental. Nigeria have grown in strength, scoring nine goals in four matches and maintaining a clean sheet throughout the tournament.
Their 5-0 quarter-final demolition of Zambia sent a chilling warning to rivals and reasserted their dominance.
South Africa, by contrast, have been consistent if not spectacular.
They advanced from a tough group after wins over Ghana (2-0) and Mali (4-0), drew with Tanzania, and then outclassed Senegal 3-1 in the last eight. But now, they face the ultimate test.
The tactical battle will be intriguing. Can South Africa’s high pressing and quick transitions disrupt Nigeria’s rhythm? Can they contain Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade, whose combination play has torn defences apart?
Ellis will need to inspire another historic performance from her side. But if the Falcons continue their upward trajectory, they may well soar into a record-extending 10th final.
