Get ready for a tactical masterpiece that had every fan on the edge of their seat. Yesterday’s WAFCON semi-final between Morocco and Ghana , it was a display of skills, resilience, and pure football theater hall. From an early Ghanaian goal to Moroccan grit in the extra time, capped by nerve-wracking penalties, this match had it all. What a suspense drama.
Tactical & Player Analysis
Opening Tactics & First-Half Surge
- Ghana dominated early, pressing high and testing Morocco’s keeper Khadija Er‑Rmichi with long-range efforts and structured attacks.
- Stella Nyamekye scored in the 26th minute via a powerful header from a corner.
- Morocco looked jittery, struggling to find tempo and control possession heading into the break.
Second-Half Revival & Equalizer
- Coach Jorge Vilda’s substitutions brought balance and midfield control.
- Sakina Ouzraoui scored the equalizer with a brilliant volley just after the restart.
- Morocco then dominated possession (58%) and started creating clear-cut chances.
Extra Time & Physical Toll
- Fatigue set in as the game dragged on; multiple substitutions were made.
- Ghana came close to scoring again but were denied by Morocco’s defense.
- Read Also: Nigeria Beats South Africa To Reach WAFCON Final
Penalty Shootout: Ice vs. Nerves
- Morocco converted all four penalties with confidence.
- Ghana missed two: Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah failed to convert.
- Final score on penalties: Morocco 4–2 Ghana.
Possession
| Team | Possession % |
|---|---|
| Morocco | 58.1% |
| Ghana | 41.9% |
Shots
| Type | Morocco | Ghana |
|---|---|---|
| On Target | 2 | 5 |
| Total Attempts | 13 | 17 |
Set Pieces & Discipline
| Category | Morocco | Ghana |
|---|---|---|
| Corner Kicks | 5 | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 1 |
Goalkeeper Performances
- Khadija Er‑Rmichi (Morocco) made 4 crucial saves, including a penalty stop.
- Cynthia Konlan (Ghana) saved one shot in normal time but conceded on rebound and in penalties.
Why This Match Mesmerized Fans
- Tactical shifts—Ghana’s aggressive start vs. Morocco’s second-half adjustments.
- Mental fortitude—Morocco’s steel in the shootout under pressure.
- Key performances—Ouzraoui’s brilliance, Er‑Rmichi’s heroics.
- Emotional payoff—A story of redemption and home-soil celebration.
Heartbeat in Rabat: Morocco Edges Ghana Through Penalty Drama
What’s Next?
- Morocco vs Nigeria Final: A fiery rematch with WAFCON glory at stake.
- Ghana vs South Africa (3rd place match): Redemption or fatigue collapse?
- Key takeaways: Flexibility, squad depth, and penalty readiness are key.
Bottom Line
This was not just a football match, it was a rollercoaster of tactics, drama, and nerve. Morocco proved they can thrive under pressure, and Ghana showed immense promise and discipline. As the final approaches, all eyes are now on the epic showdown between Morocco and Nigeria. Can the hosts finally lift the trophy on home soil?