Audio By Carbonatix
Ghana’s Black Queens will face Morocco for the first time in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with none of their previous 13 tournament appearances featuring a match against the Atlas Lionesses.
The highly anticipated semifinal, set for Tuesday at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, comes at a pivotal moment for both sides, each chasing a maiden continental title since making their WAFCON debuts.
Road to the Semis
Morocco booked their place in the last four with a commanding 3-1 victory over Mali in the quarterfinals. Prior to that, Jorge Vilda’s side recorded two group-stage wins—against DR Congo and Senegal—and a draw against Zambia in their tournament opener.
Ghana, meanwhile, endured a shaky start. A narrow defeat to defending champions South Africa was followed by a draw with Mali, before the Black Queens bounced back with a dominant win over Tanzania to secure second place in Group C.
In the quarterfinals, Ghana edged Algeria in a tense contest that ended goalless after extra time. Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero, saving two penalties to help the team triumph 4-2 in the shootout.
What They Said
Representatives from both teams spoke at a pre-match press conference held at the Olympic Stadium.
Despite Morocco scoring eight goals in the tournament so far, head coach Jorge Vilda urged his side to be even more clinical.
“We will try to be more efficient against a very strong Ghanaian team, to score more goals and create more opportunities,” he said.
Forward Ibtissam Jraidi echoed her coach’s sentiment, adding:
“We create chances, but we need to score first and score more. We are ready to fight for our flag and our people.”
Ghana coach Kim Björkegren acknowledged the challenge of facing the hosts, but also saw potential in the pressure of the occasion.
“Of course, it’s going to be tough in front of a huge crowd. But I also know from experience that home support can work both ways,” he said.
“When you silence the crowd with a goal, that energy flips—and it can give your team a massive lift.”
Head-to-Head History
Though Tuesday marks their first WAFCON meeting, Ghana and Morocco have faced off in four international friendlies. The record is even, with two wins apiece.
- 2020: Ghana won both home fixtures
- 2022 & 2025: Morocco responded with two victories on home soil (2-0 and 1-0 respectively)
This semifinal not only offers a chance to tip the head-to-head balance but also serves as a defining moment in both nations' quests for a first-ever WAFCON crown.
Match Details
What’s at Stake: A place in the final against the winner of Nigeria vs South Africa.
Fixture: Ghana vs Morocco – WAFCON 2024 Semifinal
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Venue: Stade Olympique, Rabat
Kickoff: 19:00 GMT
The game comes not only as a decider of the bragging rights between the two teams but also a perfect opportunity for another shot at the coveted WAFCON title.
Latest Stories
-
Martin Kpebu says he has not been formally charged by OSP
1 minute -
Why not clean energy: Cost or access?
3 minutes -
Minority sounds alarm over fuel shortages crippling Ghana’s fishing communities
4 minutes -
Minority calls for urgent action to shield farmers from rising production challenges
7 minutes -
AGRA Ghana salutes Farmers as nation marks Farmers’ Day
22 minutes -
Bawumia’s favourability rises, widens lead in new Global Info analytics survey
24 minutes -
Minority accuses gov’t of neglect after GH¢5bn rice left to waste
30 minutes -
Why Tsatsu Tsikata’s legacy is Ghana’s future
34 minutes -
Farmers need support all year, not just awards’ — Prof. Boadi
43 minutes -
Spotify ranks ‘Konnected Minds’ Ghana’s No. 1 Podcast for 2025
46 minutes -
Minority caucus push for modern AI-driven agricultural and fisheries revolution
48 minutes -
Mahama reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to ending HIV/AIDS by 2030
48 minutes -
Martin Kpebu poised to defend claims against Special Prosecutor – Counsel
53 minutes -
Kareweh criticises govts for policies that look good but achieve little in agriculture
54 minutes -
Galamsey is killing our cocoa, our water, our future – Minority warns of food security meltdown
57 minutes
