Saturday Showdown: Super Falcons to Face Morocco in WAFCON Final

In a thrilling semi-final clash on Tuesday, Nigeria edged out defending champions South Africa 2-1 to book a place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), setting up a blockbuster rematch with tournament hosts Morocco.

Rasheedat Ajibade opened the scoring for the Falcons from the penalty spot just before halftime, calmly converting after a South African defender was adjudged to have handled the ball. But South Africa struck back in the second half, with Linda Motlhalo leveling from the spot in the 60th minute.

With the match dragging into stoppage time and extra time looming, defender Michelle Alozie launched a long ball from midfield that floated past everyone — including goalkeeper Andile Dlamini — and nestled into the back of the net. It was a dramatic winner that sent the Falcons soaring and the Banyana Banyana crashing.

“A late winner from Alozie secures a final spot for the Super Falcons!” posted CAF Women’s Football after the game.

“We’re in the final, baby! One step closer to the crown, Mission X is ALIVE!” the Nigerian team celebrated.

While Nigeria celebrated, eyes turned to the second semi-final in Rabat where Morocco, roared on by a home crowd, battled past Ghana’s Black Queens.

Ghana had taken an early lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye, but Morocco struck back with an equaliser in the 55th minute thanks to Sakina Ouzraoui Diki. The intense contest went to penalties after 120 minutes ended 1-1. The hosts kept their nerve, winning the shootout 4-2.

That set up a highly anticipated final between Nigeria and Morocco — a repeat of their 2022 semi-final clash.

Back then, the Super Falcons were reduced to nine players after two red cards and lost to Morocco 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. This time, at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, the Falcons will be gunning for revenge and a record-extending 10th .

“ONE LAST STEP. Which side bags the gold?” CAF Women’s Football asked ahead of Saturday’s final.

For Morocco, it’s a second straight final appearance — and another chance to win the tournament on home soil after losing to South Africa in the 2022 final. For Nigeria, it’s about reclaiming the crown they last won in 2018 and completing the mission that has defined their tournament journey.

The 2024 edition of WAFCON was initially scheduled for last year but was postponed due to a clash with the women’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Morocco will also host the next edition in 2026.

Now, only one question remains: Will it be redemption for Nigeria or a historic first for Morocco?