Rabat, July 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses triumphed over Ghana’s Black Queens in a dramatic penalty shootout (4–2) to secure their place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following a 1–1 draw after extra time at Rabat’s Stade Olympique.
The semi-final clash saw both teams deliver a tense and tactical encounter, with Ghana stunning the home crowd by breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute. Stella Nyamekye struck for the Black Queens following a swift counter-attack that caught Morocco’s defense off guard, giving Ghana the early advantage.
Despite their tournament-best scoring record and a powerful attacking lineup led by Ghizlane Chebbak and Ibtissam Jraidi, the Atlas Lionesses found it difficult to breach Ghana’s disciplined defensive structure. While Morocco dominated possession and maintained a high tempo, their efforts failed to yield an equalizer in the first half.
Morocco responded shortly after the interval, as Sakina Ouzraoui calmly netted the equalizer in the 55th minute, reigniting hopes among home supporters. The remainder of regular time and extra time was marked by fierce midfield battles and near chances from both sides, but the score remained locked at 1–1, pushing the semi-final into a penalty shootout.
In the decisive shootout, Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi emerged as the hero, saving Ghana’s third penalty and sealing a 4–2 victory for the hosts. Her crucial intervention propelled Morocco into the final and kept alive their dream of lifting a historic continental title on home soil.
This marks a major achievement for Morocco, as the Lionesses continue their remarkable campaign and are now set to face Nigeria in the final of the 2024 WAFCON.
The win also underscores Morocco’s growing stature in women’s football and reflects the significant investments made in recent years to develop the women’s game across the Kingdom.
