Nigeria’s Super Falcons pulled off an extraordinary comeback on Saturday night, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and claim their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown—further cementing their dominance in African women’s football.
The match, played at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, saw early goals from Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak and winger Sanaâ Mssoudy give the home side a surprising lead within the first 30 minutes. But Nigeria stormed back through goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi before substitute Jennifer Echegini sealed the victory with a dramatic 88th-minute strike.
With the win, Nigeria not only extended their record as the continent’s most decorated women’s team but also became the first nation to hoist the newly designed WAFCON trophy. The team also bagged a boosted $1 million in prize money—twice the amount awarded in the previous edition.
Morocco had been aiming to join the elite club of WAFCON winners—currently made up of Nigeria, South Africa, and Equatorial Guinea—but fell just short despite strong home support and an impressive run to the final.
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Ghana’s Black Queens secured a dramatic third-place finish at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, edging out defending champions South Africa 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in Casablanca.
South Africa took the lead late in the first half through a stunning long-range strike by Nonhlanhla Mthandi. However, their advantage was wiped out in the 68th minute when defender Alice Kusi’s attempted clearance inadvertently looped into her own net, deflecting off goalkeeper Andile Dlamini to hand Ghana the equaliser.
Both sides came close to settling the tie in regulation time—Linda Motlhalo was thwarted by Ghana’s shot-stopper Cynthia Konlan, while Evelyn Badu rattled the crossbar deep into stoppage time.
The match ultimately went to penalties, where Konlan emerged the hero, saving two crucial spot-kicks to hand Ghana victory. The result marked Ghana’s first podium finish at the tournament since 2016, bringing their WAFCON campaign to a triumphant close.