The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has advanced to the semi-finals stage following intense quarter-final action.
Nigeria 5-0 Zambia
Nora Huptle’s Zambia were fully focused ahead of the quarter-final tie against the Super Falcons of Nigeria. The 12th-time winners of the competition had failed to hit top gear in the group stage, where they drew goalless against Algeria and struggled to win 1-0 over Botswana. Zambia, on the other hand, had shown fighting spirit in the 3-2 win over Senegal and the 2-2 draw against the host Morocco. With the wonderful partnership of Barbra Banda and Rachael Kudananji in attack, Zambia were supposed to pose a huge threat against Nigeria, but failed miserably.
Nigeria took an unbelievable 3-0 lead in the first half, with Ohale Osinachi, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo scoring to put the contest out of reach for Zambia.
Oluwatosin Demehin and Folashade Ijamilusi scored in the second half to embarrass Zambia. Nigeria’s display could be their best in almost a year, and they have now announced their presence to their rivals. The Super Falcons will face Bayana Bayana of South Africa in the semi-finals.
Morocco 3-1 Mali
Host nation Morocco was favoured to face Mali in the quarter-finals. Stade Olympique de Rabat was filled with the Moroccan Red colours, boosting their confidence. Ibtissam Jraidi’s 7th-minute opener set the tone for Morocco. A goal in the 37th minute for Mlai was disallowed for offside. Jraidi doubled the host nation’s lead from the spot kick in the 79th minute. Substitute Strasbourg’s Kenza Chapelle’s 89th-minute goal made it 3-0 to Morocco. Aissata Traore’s 97th-minute penalty was a mere consolation for Mali. Last edition’s runner-up, Morocco, has made it to the semi-finals and will have their eyes and minds firmly fixed on the finals. Morocco will face the Black Queens of Ghana in the semi-finals.
Ghana 0-0 Algeria, Ghana won (4-2) on penalties
Kim Bjokeren’s Black Queens started the competition poorly after losing 2-0 to South Africa in their opening group game. A disappointing draw against Mali followed, and they finally recorded a win over Tanzania. A fixture against the tough Algeria in the quarter-finals looked trickier. Ghana and Algeria played a goalless draw after 120 minutes of intense action. Ghana won 4-2 on penalties to qualify for their first semi-finals since 2016 in Cameroon. The Black Stars must double their effort against Morocco in their semi-final, especially in their goal-scoring performances.
South Africa 0-0 Senegal, South Africa won (4-1) on penalties
Bayana Bayan were the favourites facing Senegal because of their experience. The defending champions had destroyed Mali in the final game of the group stage, making many people believe they were going to be overwhelming favourites against Senegal. However, the Senegalese upped their game and challenged South Africa in every department of the game. Senegal was the better of the two sides in the first 45 minutes in terms of productivity. Bayana Bayana took control of the second half but failed to score, sending the game into extra time. The extra time ended in a goalless draw, where South Africa scored all four penalties while Senegal only scored one of the three they took.
Semi-finals fixtures, kickoff times, Venues and dates
Semi-final 1: Nigeria v South Africa
Date: Tuesday 22nd July, 2025
Time: 4 PM
Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli (Casablanca)
Semi-final 2: Morocco v Ghana
Date: Tuesday 22nd July, 2025
Time: 7 pm
Venue: Stade Olympique de Rabat (Rabat)
