WAFCON 2024: Second Straight Final for Morocco’s Lionesses as They Eye a Historic First Title

For the Lionesses of the Atlas, the task will be far from easy. Their opponents, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, are aiming for a tenth WAFCON trophy and are especially motivated to avenge their dramatic semifinal loss to Morocco in the previous edition.

After finishing runners-up in the last tournament, Morocco’s squad is determined to go one better this time and deliver a title for a home crowd that has rallied behind them throughout the competition.

The team’s consistent rise over the past few years—marked by a historic run to the final of the 2022 WAFCON and a breakthrough appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup—has solidified their status among Africa’s elite. That experience will be crucial as they prepare for one of their toughest challenges yet.

Despite their momentum, the Moroccan side knows the scale of the task ahead. Nigeria remains the most decorated team on the continent with nine titles to their name, a record they are eager to protect as they return to the final for the first time since 2018.

Morocco booked their place in the final after topping Group A with a draw against Zambia (2–2) and wins over DR Congo (4–2) and Senegal (1–0). They then eliminated Mali in the quarterfinals (3–1) before edging past Ghana in a tense semifinal decided on penalties (4–2) after a 1–1 draw following extra time.

Ahead of Saturday’s final, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa will officiate the match, with Alice Umutesi of Rwanda and Tabara Mbodji of Senegal serving as her assistants.

Kickoff for the highly anticipated final between Morocco and Nigeria is scheduled for 9:00 PM (GMT+1) on Saturday, July 20 at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium. The third-place playoff between South Africa and Ghana will take place Friday at 8:00 PM at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Editorial team/le7tv