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Atlas Lionesses, Super Falcons set for epic WAFCON final

football24 July 2025 16:08| © Backpage TXT
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Host nation Morocco and historical tournament queens Nigeria will meet for an epic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night.

Kick-off is at 10pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Major WAFCON history is set to be made in this match, as either the Atlas Lionesses will exorcise the demons of their final loss to South Africa on home soil in 2022 and become continental queens for the very first-time, or the Super Falcons will win a record-extending 10th WAFCON title and accomplish ‘Mission X’.

Morocco sealed their final berth on Tuesday night with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Ghana, having been held 1-1 by the Black Queens through 120 minutes.

The Atlas Lionesses looked in trouble through a Ghana-dominated first half, but some smart tactical changes from coach Jorge Vilda saw them boss the game from the second half onwards – levelling via Sakina Ouzraoui – and they were emphatic and confident in dispatching four straight penalties in front of a supportive crowd.

“The Ghanaian team were physical but we played collectively and eventually won,” said Vilda.

“We worked hard to make it to the final. I am thinking about the Nigerian team that we will be playing in the final.”

Nigeria earned their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 win over South Africa in the first semifinal on Tuesday, with Michelle Alozie scoring the decisive goal deep into injury time.

The Super Falcons are seeking a record-extending 10th WAFCON title – the ambition dubbed ‘Mission X’ – and key player Jennifer Echegini said they are embracing their chance at adding to the team’s unmatched legacy at the tournament.

“Nigeria has won this competition multiple times,” explained Echegini. “As the new generation, it’s our duty to carry on that tradition. So yes, there’s pressure. But everyone – the fans, the staff, us – wants the same thing: victory.”

Morocco and Nigeria have met just once before in the WAFCON: the Atlas Lionesses defeated the Super Falcons 5-4 on penalties in the semifinals of the 2022 edition after the teams had played out a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.

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