The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has always brought drama, grit, and glory — but WAFCON 2025 feels like a different beast. The energy is heavier. The tension is sharper. And now, with just four nations left standing, everything is on the line.

Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Ghana have fought through pressure, expectation, and moments of near-collapse to reach this stage. It’s no longer just about form or flair — this is legacy-defining territory. The defending champions are still standing. The hosts are still dreaming. The most successful nation in the tournament’s history is chasing redemption. And a former giant is knocking loudly on the door again.

On Tuesday night, Casablanca and Rabat will host two blockbuster semi-finals where history, revenge, pride and pressure collide. The path to the crown is almost closed — only the strongest will survive.

Nigeria vs South Africa

This is not just a semi-final. This is war with a trophy on the line. Nine-time champions Nigeria have looked ruthless in Morocco. Their 5-0 demolition of Zambia in the quarters was a thunderous reminder of the Super Falcons’ pedigree. Unbeaten, unbothered, and unbreakable — they’ve scored 10 and conceded none. The likes of Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne are in frightening form, while Chiamaka Nnadozie has been a wall in goal. But if there’s one team unafraid of the green and white juggernaut, it’s South Africa. The defending champions are here to protect their crown.

They were pushed to the edge by Senegal in the quarters, eventually winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. It wasn’t pretty. But it was Banyana Banyana in their purest form: calm under fire, built for pressure.

Coach Desiree Ellis knows Nigeria well — and she knows how to beat them. Just like in the 2022 final. Jermaine Seoposenwe has been sharp. Hildah Magaia is always a big-game weapon. And if Linda Motlhalo returns fully fit, South Africa will feel they’ve got enough control and quality to ask serious questions. The defending champions have a weapon you can’t quantify: Andile “Sticks” Dlamini.

A three-time African champion, WAFCON 2022’s Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and hero of South Africa’s quarter-final shootout win over Senegal. She’s recorded three clean sheets in three matches, with 13 saves already, including two spot-kicks in the penalty drama.

Morocco vs Ghana

The second semifinal may not have the same history, but it may well be the match of the tournament. Morocco, backed by a ferocious home crowd, are flying. They eased past Mali 3-1 in the quarterfinals and have already scored 10 goals in the tournament — the most by any team.

Coach Reynald Pedros has built a team full of balance, power and pace. Ghizlane Chebbak remains the heartbeat of the midfield. Up top, Ibtissam Jraidi and Fatima Tagnaout are running riot. But now they face a Ghana side that has clawed its way out of chaos. After a rocky start to the group stage, the Black Queens shocked Algeria in the quarterfinals — winning 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. That match was brutal. But Ghana survived.

They are rugged, direct, and playing like a team that has nothing to lose. Alice Kusi has been their standout star, while veterans like Portia Boakye and Jennifer Cudjoe bring composure and leadership when it counts.

What makes this clash so intriguing is the energy. Morocco have the fans, the flair, and the rhythm. Ghana have the pain, the power, and the purpose. And both teams are desperate to write a new chapter.

The Bigger Picture

This is the first time in WAFCON history that all four semi-finalists have World Cup experience. The gap is closing. The competition is growing. And African women’s football is stepping into its next golden era.

Morocco are dreaming of a fairytale final on home soil. Ghana are chasing their first-ever continental title. Nigeria want their crown back. And South Africa are here to prove that 2022 wasn’t a fluke — it was the beginning.

Tuesday evening is going to be pure theatre.