In a gripping semifinal at the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco clinched a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ghana to earn a place in the final against Nigeria. The electrifying clash at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium saw both teams fiercely contest the coveted spot in the championship match.
Ghana took the lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye, who finished a slick team move to put the Black Queens ahead. Morocco, fueled by their vocal home supporters, responded with efforts from Ghizlane Chebbak and Najat Mssoudy, but Ghana’s resolute defense kept them at bay before halftime.
The hosts leveled the score in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki capitalized on relentless pressure to score from close range. The game became a tense midfield struggle, interrupted by multiple injury breaks, with neither team finding a winning goal in regulation time. Extra time brought more chances, but the deadlock persisted, leading to a decisive penalty shootout.
Morocco showed composure in the shootout, with Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari all scoring their penalties. Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi sealed the win, denying Comfort Yeboah from the spot, while Ghana’s Evelyn Badu missed her attempt.
Ghana will now meet reigning champions South Africa in the third-place playoff, while Morocco gear up to face nine-time champions Nigeria in the final on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.
