The stage is set for a thrilling semi-final showdown at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as Nigeria’s Super Falcons prepare to clash with defending champions South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, while Ghana’s Black Queens face off against tournament hosts Morocco. With a place in the final on the line, both matches promise high-stakes drama and fierce competition at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca and the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, July 22.
Nigeria vs. South Africa: A Rivalry Renewed
The Super Falcons, nine-time WAFCON champions, are on a mission to reclaim the title they last won in 2018, dubbing their campaign “Mission X” for a record-extending 10th continental crown. Nigeria has been a dominant force in the tournament, remaining unbeaten and boasting an impregnable defense that has yet to concede a goal. Their quarter-final performance was a statement of intent, as they dismantled Zambia’s Copper Queens 5-0, with goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi. Coach Justin Madugu’s squad has shown both attacking flair and defensive solidity, scoring nine goals across four matches while keeping four consecutive clean sheets.
However, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, the 2022 champions, pose a formidable challenge. The defending champions secured their semi-final spot with a gritty 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Senegal after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was the hero, saving two penalties to mark South Africa’s first-ever WAFCON penalty shootout triumph. Banyana Banyana’s journey has been marked by resilience, with a balanced attack led by players like Refiloe Jane and Jermaine Seoposenwe, and a tactical structure under coach Desiree Ellis that has kept them competitive despite a less dominant group stage.
This semi-final is a rematch of their 2022 group-stage encounter, where South Africa stunned Nigeria 2-1, handing the Super Falcons their first group-stage loss in 20 years.
Ghana vs. Morocco: Black Queens Seek Resurgence Against Hosts
In the other semi-final, Ghana’s Black Queens will take on hosts Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in Rabat, aiming to reach their first WAFCON final since 2006. Ghana, three-time finalists, have shown signs of a resurgence after missing the 2022 tournament. They secured their semi-final berth with a hard-fought victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals, capitalizing on their attacking momentum from a 4-1 group-stage win over Tanzania. Led by captain Portia Boakye, now a centre-back, and powered by forwards like Princella Adubea and Evelyn Badu, the Black Queens are determined to overcome their defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded four goals in the group stage.
Morocco, buoyed by home support, advanced with a confident 3-1 win over Mali, with Ibtissam Jraïdi scoring twice and Kenza Chapelle sealing the victory. Under coach Jorge Vilda, a 2023 World Cup winner with Spain, the Atlas Lionesses have blended poise and discipline, with captain Ghizlane Chebbak’s four goals in the group stage making her a standout performer.
