Morocco stuns Ghana, advances to WAFCON final.

Hosts Morocco clinched a spot in the Women’s African Cup of Nations final for a record second time after a nail biting penalty shootout against Ghana in a keenly contested clash that ended on stalemates after extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night.

Thanks to goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi’s crucial saves and two Ghanaian players missing their shot. The defeat means Ghana will have to battle a third place playoffs with South Africa on Friday.

In an end to end action at Stade Moulay Abdellah ,Ghana registered their first courtesy Stella Nyamekye on the 26th minute in the first half. The midfielder pounced on a loose ball inside the box following a corner and strucked past Er-Rmichi to give the Black queens a deserved lead.

The goal gave Ghana a shinning start, who looked more determined, composed and energetic in the opening 45 minutes,creating goalscoring chances through Chantelle Boye – Hlorkah, Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Marfo.

The Atlas Lionesses came strongly into the game after the recess. The atmosphere was charged with chants which impacted them positively resulting in an equalizer in the 55th minute when Sakina Diki bundled the ball into the net from close range after sustained pressure and a deflected effort from Ibtissam.

The equaliser brought a renewed energy which urged the Moroccans to suddenly dominate possession but Ghana remained dangerous on the counter with Alice Kusi and Princella Adubea coming close to scoring late in the game.

Both sides were chanced with a probable win in regulation time,but neither could find the back of the net.

A dramatic extra time came with fatigue. Injuries forced several substitutions. With the deadlock unbroken after 120 minutes, penalties were required to separate the two African giants.

Morocco expertly converted their kicks to win 4-2 through the nerve racking moments,while Ghana missed twice via Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah.

The final whistle triggered wild jubilations among the players and the Moroccans fans at the stadium. This victory eventually sees Morocco at the finals of the WAFCON.

The Moroccan dream to lift their first ever WAFCON trophy is fully on course on their home soil .

Ghana, even though out of the final spot still have a chance to grab a medal in the third playoffs on friday when they lock horns with reigning champions South Africa.