- Jeremy van Dyk
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Continental Giants Collide in WAFCON 2024 Semifinals
It’s all eyes on Morocco as the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 brings together four national teams determined to etch their names into history. The semifinals have shaped up as the ultimate proving ground: Nigeria’s Super Falcons take on the reigning champs South Africa, while the home squad Morocco squares off against a reborn Ghana.
Nigeria arrives with a reputation that’s almost mythical. Nine titles, decades of dominance—no other team has bossed African women’s football quite like them. They haven’t let up either, rolling through the quarterfinals with a powerful 5-0 thumping of Zambia. Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo have shown up in big moments, constantly pressuring defenses and finding the net. Now, the Super Falcons are only two games away from an astonishing tenth title.
But don’t get too comfortable if you’re a Nigerian supporter. South Africa isn’t backing down after lifting their first WAFCON crown in 2022. They’re fiercely organized, tactical, and have built a system that’s hard to crack. It’s a rivalry that’s delivered fireworks in recent years, with memorable matchups full of drama and last-minute twists. South Africa’s current squad blends tough defenders with quick, tricky midfielders who aren’t afraid to take risks at the edge of the box. The game’s stakes? Monumental. Only one will book a place in the final, scheduled for July 26 at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.
Morocco’s Dream Run vs Ghana’s Old Guard
Then there’s the hosts. Morocco, spurred on by rowdy home crowds and a fresh sense of belief, have become the story of the tournament. Ibtissam Jraidi’s clinical finishing—her two-goal display in the 3-1 takedown of Mali is still being talked about—has fired up the fans. Morocco’s defense has stayed steady under pressure, soaking up attacks and then hitting opponents on the counter. The home advantage comes with expectation, sure, but this team looks like it thrives under pressure.
To reach the final though, Morocco will have to get past Ghana. The Black Queens have worked hard to get here, pushing through tense matches and surviving a nail-biting penalty shootout against Algeria. They may not have the star power on the same level as Nigeria or South Africa, but they offset that with experience and grit. Ghana’s approach blends physicality in midfield with bursts of creativity around the box, giving them the tools to potentially disrupt Morocco’s flow, especially if they catch the crowd in a nervous moment.
- Nigeria vs South Africa: Heavyweights with something to prove.
- Morocco vs Ghana: Passion meets experience—nobody is backing down.
Both semifinals are set up to deliver the drama and unpredictability that defines world-class tournament football. The pressure is on, and everyone knows what’s at stake: a shot at the championship and a place in African football lore.
The WAFCON 2024 semifinals promise football at its fiercest. Expect thunderous goals, no-nonsense defending, and thousands of voices echoing through the stadium—because, at this point in the tournament, legends are made with every minute on the pitch.
