By Amaechi Agbo
Four, out of the 16 participating teams at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) are left to battle for the one million Dollars prize in Morocco. The group stage filtered the hopefuls, the quarter-final tightened the field, and now the elite stand tall.
The final four of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 showcases the continent’s finest, a host nation propelled by a rare wave of home support, a Ghanaian side on a mission, the reigning champions still standing, and the historical giant with an unmatched pedigree.
On Tuesday, two high-stakes semifinals take center stage, South Africa vs Nigeria in the cauldron of Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca and Morocco vs Ghana at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat and
South Africa vs Nigeria: A Final Before the Final
This is a classic rivalry, one etched into the very fabric of the Women’s AFCON. Nigeria has impressed with its discipline: three group wins, four goals scored, none conceded, and a commanding 5-0 quarter-final demolition of Zambia. Within a cohesive squad, full-back Michelle Alozie and midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade have stood out, while Esther Okoronkwo, the tournament’s top assist provider with three, continues to rise.
On the other side, Desiree Ellis has instilled her methodical approach. South Africa faced hurdles but endured. After a 1-1 group draw with Tanzania, they edged Senegal on penalties (0-0, 4-1) in the quarterfinals, thanks to the brilliance of goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Still, there’s more to this team than meets the eye. Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Lebogang Ramalepe are all capable of turning the game on its head. The possession-heavy style that once seemed toothless now looks sharper, and the squad seems to be reliving the spirit of their 2022 triumph. “There’s a fire, a collective memory. We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria,” Ellis insisted.
By the numbers, Nigeria dominates most categories: best attack (nine goals), best defense (no goals conceded). However, their most recent meeting in the Women’s AFCON ended in a 2-1 victory for South Africa.
Morocco vs Ghana:
Three years ago, Morocco reached the final on home soil, reigniting national pride in women’s football. In 2025, the Atlas Lionesses have matured, stronger and more composed. With a packed Olympic Stadium behind them, Jorge Vilda’s side has shown new-found maturity. Their 3-1 quarterfinal win over Mali, powered by an Ibtissam Jraïdi brace, reinforced their momentum. “This team knows how to endure and strike at the right time. There’s chemistry, there’s soul,” said Vilda post-match.
However, a different challenge awaits. Ghana has maintained relentless intensity throughout the tournament. The Black Queens, led by goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, hero of their penalty shootout win against Algeria (0-0, 4-2 on penalties)—are a team on a mission. Head coach Kim Björkegren has been clear: “This team has been underestimated for too long. We want to shake things up.”
In the group stage, Ghana emerged from a tough pool with South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, conceding just two goals and finishing with four points. They’ve since ridden a wave of self-belief, exemplified by playmaker Alice Kusi and the energetic Chantelle Boye—a mix of experience and fierce ambition.
Statistically, Morocco boasts one of the tournament’s best attacks (10 goals in four matches), while Ghana holds the best defensive record (only two goals conceded). The matchup is finely balanced. Home advantage might tilt the scales, but Ghana remains unfazed. “Playing the host nation is exciting, not pressure,” Kusi smiled.
The final four of this 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations encapsulates everything promising about African women’s football. Morocco dreams of its first title. Ghana seeks a return to glory. South Africa eyes back-to-back crowns. Nigeria is out to remind everyone who’s boss.
Capital Chaos: Veragold Sinks, Games Village Stalls Sportiff’s Party, As MC Steve & UATH Cling to Final-Day Hope in Abuja Veterans Showdown
The Abuja Veterans Invitational Tournament roared with drama as Capital City deepened Veragold’s misery with a commanding 3-0 victory. For Veragold – a side largely made up of elite serving and retired military men – their debut campaign has been a baptism of fire, leaking 13 goals in three matches. Yet, they cling to a razor-thin thread of hope.
To qualify, Veragold must conjure a miracle: score six unanswered goals against Capital Sportif—who themselves are in a must-win scenario—and pray other group results fall kindly. It’s a mountain to climb, but in football, stranger things have happened.
Meanwhile, Games Village FC played spoilers with stubborn grit, holding Sportif to a frustrating 1-1 draw. Despite dictating play, Sportif couldn’t find the decisive goal that would have booked their ticket to the Round of 16.
Elsewhere, MC Steve, down but not out after two consecutive losses, showed lion-hearted resilience to snatch a 1-1 draw from already-qualified Zee Michael. Their fate now hinges on a winner-takes-all clash with UATH, who also sit on a knife’s edge after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Karu All Stars.
With just one ticket left in their group, the stage is set for a dramatic final day where survival instincts, strategy, and sheer willpower will decide who joins the last 16.
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