WAFCON Semi-Final Ties: South Africa Reignite Rivalry With Nigeria

As host Morocco seek to go past Ghana

With the group stage filtering the hopefuls, and the quarter-finals tightening the field, the elite are now standing tall as the final four of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 showcase the continent’s finest in the North African nation.

Today, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, two high-stakes semi-final encounters are taking the centre stage. Morocco versus Ghana at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat and South Africa versus Nigeria in the cauldron of Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

South Africa Vs Nigeria: A Final Before The Final

This is a classic rivalry, one etched into the very fabric of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s AFCON.

It is a fight to finish between Banyana Banyana, the reigning champions still standing, and Super Falcons, the historical giants with an unmatched pedigree in the continental football spectacle.

So far, the Falcons have impressed with their discipline: two group wins, four goals scored, none conceded, and a commanding 5-0 quarterfinal 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 four, continues to rise, imposing herself in every game.

On the opposing side, Coach Desiree Ellis has instilled her methodical approach. The South Africans have faced hurdles in the tournament but endured.

After a 1-1 group draw with Tanzania, they edged past 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”, Ellis insisted.

By the numbers, Nigeria’s Super Falcons dominate most categories: best attack (nine goals), best defence (no goals conceded).

However, the most recent meeting between both nations in the CAF Women’s AFCON ended in a 2-1 victory for South Africa’s Banyana Banyana

Morocco Vs Ghana: Ambition Meets Determination

This is a confrontation between the host nation propelled by rare waves of home support, and a Ghanaian side on a mission to excel.

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 them today because 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. – With CAFonline.com reports