Morocco will face Ghana in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat today, as the nation’s quest to lift the trophy on home soil continues.
Morocco edged Zambia on goal difference to claim top spot in Group A after earning seven points. The hosts drew 2-2 with Zambia in the tournament’s opening fixture before defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 4-2 and narrowly overcoming Senegal 1-0.
The Atlas Lionesses put on a dominant display in their quarterfinal against Mali, with Ibtissam Jraïdi scoring a brace and Kenza Chapelle adding another in the 89th minute.
They were unable to keep a clean sheet, however, as Mali’s Aissata Traoré scored a consolation goal deep into stoppage time.
Ghana finished in second place in Group C, thanks to a 4-1 victory over Tanzania and South Africa, who defeated Mali 4-0, placing Ghana above their fellow West African nation. In their previous group games, Ghana lost 2-0 to South Africa and drew 1-1 with Mali. The Black Queens advanced to the semifinals after defeating Algeria 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.
Ghana is looking to reach the final for the first time since 2006.
Ghana head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, speaking ahead of the clash, said: “I wish we had one or two more days, but that’s life as a football player and a coach. It’s important to mentally recover, and for them to perhaps have more physical recovery, and then be ready to do everything we can in the semifinal. Of course, it’s going to be a hard job for our medical team now to help the players be as ready as possible.”
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