The stage is set for a thrilling climax at the 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as the tournament reaches the semifinal phase with four continental heavyweights Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, and Nigeria vying for a place in the final.
The penultimate round will see hosts Morocco take on Ghana at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, while defending champions South Africa face record nine-time winners Nigeria in Casablanca’s Stade Larbi Zaouli.
Morocco, buoyed by passionate home support, have shown renewed strength and maturity under Spanish coach Jorge Vilda. The Atlas Lionesses defeated Mali 3–1 in the quarterfinals, with striker Ibtissam Jraïdi netting a brace to lead the charge.
“This team knows how to endure and strike at the right time. There’s chemistry, there’s soul,” Vilda said after the win. Three years after reaching the final on home soil in 2022, the North Africans are aiming to go one better and lift their maiden WAFCON trophy.
Ghana arrive in the semifinals with momentum and motivation, having edged past Algeria in a tense quarterfinal that ended goalless in regulation time before a 4–2 win in the penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was the hero, making key saves, while coach Kim Björkegren emphasized the hunger within his squad. “This team has been underestimated for too long. We want to shake things up,” Björkegren said.
The Black Queens emerged from a challenging group that included South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, conceding only two goals in four matches. With creative talents like Alice Kusi and the energetic Chantelle Boye, Ghana will be looking to silence the Rabat crowd and secure a first final appearance since 1998.
Statistically, the semifinal presents a fascinating clash of styles: Morocco have scored 10 goals—the second-best in the tournament—while Ghana boast the strongest defensive record with just two goals conceded.
The second semifinal will feature a showdown between two of Africa’s most storied sides as Nigeria face South Africa in what many are describing as a “final before the final.”
The Super Falcons have been dominant throughout the tournament, topping their group with three wins, scoring four goals, and conceding none. They reinforced their title credentials with a comprehensive 5–0 victory over Zambia in the quarterfinals.
Michelle Alozie and Rasheedat Ajibade have been standout performers, while Esther Okoronkwo leads the tournament in assists with three.
South Africa, meanwhile, are hoping to defend their 2022 title and have shown resilience despite a challenging campaign. After drawing 1–1 with Tanzania in the group stage, they progressed to the semifinals by defeating Senegal 4–2 on penalties in the last eight.
Coach Desiree Ellis has leaned on the experience of players like Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who was instrumental in the shootout win.
“There’s a fire, a collective memory. We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria,” Ellis said.
While Nigeria lead the tournament in both goals scored (9) and clean sheets, South Africa hold the psychological advantage from their 2–1 win over the Super Falcons in their last WAFCON encounter.
With four continental giants left in the competition, the semifinals promise intense drama and high-quality football. Morocco dream of a maiden title, Ghana seek a long-awaited return to the top, South Africa aim to retain their crown, and Nigeria look to reassert their dominance in African women’s football.
The winners of Tuesday’s matches will advance to the final scheduled for Saturday, July 27.
