Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco and Ghana eye WAFCON 2024 final spots
The first semi-final will kick off at 7:00 pm EAT in Casablanca, where nine-time champions Nigeria will face title holders South Africa in a much-anticipated showdown between two African heavyweights.
The 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco has reached its final four, with Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco and Ghana preparing for high-stakes semi-final clashes on Tuesday.
The first semi-final will kick off at 7:00 pm East Africa Time (EAT) in Casablanca, where nine-time champions Nigeria will face title holders South Africa in a much-anticipated showdown between two African heavyweights.
Nigeria sent a strong warning to their rivals with a dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia in the quarter-finals, an impressive attacking display that solidified their status as tournament favourites.
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The Super Falcons are also yet to concede a goal in the competition and are pursuing a record-extending 10th title, dubbed "Mission X" by both fans and players.
Meanwhile, South Africa endured a more difficult path to the last four. Banyana Banyana were forced into a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw with Senegal in the quarter-finals, eventually prevailing 4-1.
The defending champions also had 24 hours less to recover and had to travel from Berkane to Casablanca, adding to the players' physical toll. Despite this, South Africa will look to draw inspiration from their group-stage win over Nigeria in 2022, as they went on to claim their first title.
In the second semi-final at 10:00 pm EAT, tournament hosts Morocco will face off against Ghana at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, with both sides eyeing their maiden WAFCON title.
Morocco, cheered on by their home fans, eased past Mali 3-1 in the quarter-finals and is aiming to reach a second consecutive final. Under Spanish coach Jorge Vilda, the Atlas Lionesses have added tactical depth and attacking variety to their game, making them a formidable side on home soil.
Ghana, the lowest-ranked side left in the tournament, are back in the semi-finals for the first time since 2016 after a tense penalty shootout win over Algeria.
Despite being underdogs, the Black Queens will be banking on their resilience and experience to silence the home crowd and pull off an upset.
With $1 million (Sh128.7 million) in prize money and a new trophy unveiled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to one of the most competitive WAFCON editions yet.
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