Hosts Morocco have secured their spot in a second consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, defeating Ghana 4-2 on penalties after their semi-final clash ended 1-1 following extra time.
The match, held on Tuesday night at the Stade Moulay Abdellah, sets up a highly anticipated final against Nigeria on Saturday.
The Atlas Lionesses held their nerve in the shootout, thanks to crucial saves from goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi and two missed penalties by Ghana.
This victory keeps alive Morocco’s dream of lifting their first-ever WAFCON title on home soil. Ghana will now face South Africa in the third-place playoff on Friday.
Ghana initially took the lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye.
However, spurred on by the home crowd, Morocco equalized in the 55th minute with a goal from Sakina Ouzraoui Diki.
Despite further chances for both sides in a fiercely contested match that went to extra time, neither team could find a decisive goal, leading to the dramatic penalty shootout.