Ghana vs. Morocco: Morocco defeats Ghana in a thrilling shootout to reach the WAFCON final.
Morocco advanced to their second consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after defeating Ghana 4-2 on penalties in a dramatic semi-final match that ended 1-1 after extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night.
The Atlas Lionesses held their nerve from the penalty spot, with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi making a critical save and two Ghanaians missing, to advance to the final against Nigeria on Saturday.
Following the defeat, Ghana will face South Africa in the third-place playoff on Friday.
In a closely contested match at Stade Moulay Abdellah, Stella Nyamekye scored Ghana’s first goal in the 26th minute.
The Black Queens took a well-earned lead when the midfielder pounced on a loose ball inside the box after a corner and fired past Er-Rmichi.
The goal completed a strong start for Kim Björkegren’s team, who appeared more collected and motivated in the first half and created multiple risky opportunities through Princess Marfo, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Doris Boaduwaa.
But following the break, Morocco reacted more quickly.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki slammed the ball into the net from close range following prolonged pressure and a deflected effort from Ibtissam Jraïdi, thanks to the encouragement of the home crowd.
The Atlas Lionesses were energized by the equalizer and started to control the ball, but Ghana was still a threat on the attack, with Alice Kusi and Princella Adubea coming close late in the match.
In regular time, both teams had opportunities to win it, but neither was able to make much progress.
As exhaustion set in, additional time provided greater drama.
Princella Adubea of Ghana and Fatima Tagnaout of Morocco both required medical attention due to injuries, necessitating numerous substitutes.
Alozie’s speculative long-range attempt in the closing minutes flew just over the bar, while Evelyn Badu of Ghana squandered a fantastic opportunity in the 100th minute, heading wide from close range.
After 120 minutes, there was still no resolution to the impasse, therefore penalties were needed to break up the two African powerhouses.
Morocco remained composed. Ghana missed twice, with Comfort Yeboah’s attempt stopped by Er-Rmichi and Evelyn Badu’s shot going wide. Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari all converted their penalty kicks.
When Jorge Vilda’s squad advanced to the final for the second consecutive competition, the Moroccan players and supporters let out a huge cheer when the final whistle blew.
Morocco’s goal of winning their first-ever WAFCON championship at home is sustained by this outcome.
When Ghana plays South Africa for third place on Friday, they still have a chance to finish the tournament with a medal, but they will be forced to lament their lost chances.
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