By Ikpommwosa Odigie
As the curtain prepares to fall on the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the tournament’s final weekend promises high-octane football and unforgettable drama. After three weeks of action, 24 matches across five cities, and moments of heartbreak and jubilation, only four teams remain.
On Saturday, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will square off against hosts Morocco in the final showdown a match that marks the culmination of what the Nigerian team calls “Mission X”, their quest for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title. Meanwhile, South Africa and Ghana will face off in the third-place playoff, both seeking to exit the tournament with pride.
Nigeria have stamped their authority throughout the tournament, playing five matches, winning four, and drawing once in a Group B stalemate with Tunisia. Their campaign has been defined by tactical discipline, physical dominance, and standout performances from players like Michelle Alozie and Rasheedat Ajibade.
Morocco, the North African powerhouses and 2022 runners-up, have mirrored that success. They’ve remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and now aim to go one step further by clinching the title on home soil.
Ahead of the third-place game, Ghana’s Black Queens are determined to bow out of the tournament with a bronze medal. Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, speaking during his pre-match press conference, hailed his team’s progress, noting that they were not seen as serious contenders when the competition began.
“What we are doing in this tournament is really good,” Bjorkegren said. “Not many gave us a chance, but we reached the last four and pushed Morocco all the way in the semis.” Ghana’s journey has been one of resilience and rediscovery, and Saturday’s match offers a final opportunity to reward their efforts with silverware.
This year’s edition of WAFCON, which kicked off on July 5, has reaffirmed the massive strides women’s football is making across Africa. From emotional post-match reactions to vibrant fan atmospheres, the tournament has captured the spirit of African football at its finest.
Now, all eyes are on Rabat, where the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah will host the final. For Nigeria, it’s about reaffirming continental dominance. For Morocco, it’s about rewriting history. And for Africa, it’s a celebration of how far the women’s game has come 27 years after the first WAFCON was played.
Kick-off for the final is scheduled for Saturday evening and expectations are sky-high.
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