Morocco will face Ghana in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) semifinal at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, as the nation’s quest to lift the trophy on home soil continues.
Kick-off is at 9pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Morocco edged Zambia on goal difference to claim top spot in group A after claiming seven points. The hosts drew 2-2 with Zambia in the tournament’s opening fixture before beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 4-2 and sneaking past Senegal 1-0.
The Atlas Lionesses put on a dominant display in their quarterfinal against Mali, as Ibtissam Jraïdi bagged a brace and Kenza Chapelle added another in the 89th minute. They were unable to keep a clean sheet, as Mali’s Aissata Traoré grabbed a consolation goal deep into stoppage time.
Ghana finished second place in group C thanks to a 4-1 victory over Tanzania and South Africa, who defeated Mali 4-0 to put Ghana above their fellow west-Africa nation. In their previous group games, Ghana lost to South Africa 2-0 and drew 1-1 with Mali.
The Black Queens advanced to the semifinals after defeating Algeria 4-2 on penalties after going goalless in regulation and extra time.
Ghana are looking to advance to the final for the first time since 2006.
WHAT WAS SAID
Ghana head coach Kim Lars Björkegren:
“I wish that we had one or two more days, but that's life as a football player and a coach. To mentally recover and for them maybe 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 to be as ready as possible.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Morocco: Ghizlane Chebbak - Chebbak has been instrumental to Morocco’s success at this year’s Wafcon. The Atlas Lionesses’ captain leads all goalscorers at the tournament with Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye, having netted four times in four games. She rescued her side with a late equaliser against Zambia in the opening game before scoring a hat-trick against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ghana: Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah - Boye-Hlorkah presents a dangerous threat for the Moroccan defence. The 29-year-old has registered one goal and one assist in four games so far and will be looking to spoil the host’s party on Tuesday.
HEAT-TO-HEAD
Morocco wins: 3
Ghana wins: 2
Draws: 0