By Daniel Bampoe
The 2024 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has reached its business end, with four of the continent’s football powerhouses—Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco—booking their places in the semi-finals after an intense round of quarter-final matches played over the weekend.
Nigeria Dismantle Zambia with Ruthless Display
Twelve-time champions Nigeria sent a clear message to their title rivals with a dominant 5-0 demolition of Zambia.
Nora Hauptle’s Zambia entered the game as underdogs but shown resilience in the group stage, especially in their thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal and their 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco.
However, against the Super Falcons, their attacking duo of Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji failed to make an impact.
Nigeria came out firing, taking a 3-0 lead by halftime with goals from Ohale Osinachi, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
The carnage continued in the second half, with Oluwatosin Demehin and Folashade Ijamilusi adding two more to seal an emphatic victory.
The Super Falcons, who had looked shaky during the group phase, appear to have found their rhythm just in time and will now face defending champions South Africa in a blockbuster semi-final.
Morocco Cruise Past Mali
Host nation Morocco kept their title hopes alive with a clinical 3-1 victory over Mali at the Stade Olympique de Rabat.
Backed by a sea of red in the stands, Morocco struck early through Ibtissam Jraidi in the 7th minute.
Mali thought they had equalized in the 37th minute, but their goal was ruled out for offside, shifting the momentum firmly in Morocco’s favour.
Jraidi doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 79th minute before substitute Kenza Chapelle put the result beyond doubt with a third goal in the 89th minute.
Aissata Traore’s late penalty in stoppage time provided only a consolation for Mali.
The Atlas Lionesses, runners-up in the last edition, now have their eyes set on reaching a second consecutive final but must first overcome Ghana in the semi-final.
Ghana Edge Algeria on Penalties
The Black Queens of Ghana secured a hard-fought 4-2 penalty shootout win over Algeria after a goalless 120 minutes of play in a tense quarter-final showdown.
Head coach Kim Bjorkgren’s side entered the knockout stage with mixed form—losing their opener to South Africa, drawing with Mali, and narrowly beating Tanzania to progress.
Against Algeria, both sides failed to find the back of the net in regular and extra time despite creating numerous chances.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Findi was the hero during the shootout, saving two penalties to help Ghana book a place in the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time since 2016.
The Black Queens now face an uphill task against hosts Morocco but will take confidence from their gritty performance.
South Africa Survive Senegal Scare to Stay on Title Defence Path
Defending champions South Africa narrowly escaped an upset as they edged Senegal 4-1 on penalties following a goalless draw after extra time.
Despite being favourites, Banyana Banyana were tested throughout the match by a well-organized Senegalese side that dominated the first half.
South Africa wrestled back control in the second half and extra time but failed to find the decisive goal. When it came down to penalties, the experience of Desiree Ellis’s squad showed.
The South Africans converted all four kicks, while Senegal faltered, scoring just one of three attempts. Banyana Banyana now turn their focus to a highly anticipated semi-final clash against Nigeria.
The final four teams promise an electric finish to what has been a thrilling WAFCON tournament so far, with continental pride, glory, and a ticket to the 2025 Women’s World Cup qualifiers all at stake.
