WAFCON 2025: Ghana fall to Morocco on penalties

Ghana’s Black Queens suffered heartbreak in Rabat on Tuesday night as they were edged 4-2 on penalties by hosts Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), after a 1-1 draw across 120 minutes at the Olympic Stadium.

The Queens took the lead through Stella Nyamekye in the first half and put in a determined performance, but Morocco rallied to level and then triumphed in the shootout to reach a second successive WAFCON final.

Ghana started the match with determination, generating early chances and compelling Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi to make two impressive saves. Their efforts paid off in the 26th minute when Afua Josephine Bonsu Kyerewaa’s powerful header was tipped onto the post by Errmichi. Nyamekye was quick to react to the rebound, finishing calmly to give Ghana a 1-0 lead.

The hosts turned up the intensity in the second half and were rewarded in the 55th minute. Sakina Ouzraoui pounced on a high ball in the Ghanaian box, beating goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan to score the equaliser.

Both teams pushed for a winner, with Morocco applying more pressure late in regulation and extra time. However, Ghana held firm and threatened on the counter, keeping the game balanced until the final whistle.

The match proceeded to penalties, where Morocco converted all four of their spot-kicks. Ghana scored their first two, but misses from Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah ultimately proved costly.

After extra time, it ended 1-1. Morocco won 4-2 on penalties.

The result means Ghana will face South Africa in the third-place playoff, while Morocco meet Nigeria in the final as they aim to lift their maiden WAFCON title.