Marrakech — In a dramatic and emotional final held at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, Morocco’s hopes of securing their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title were shattered in the dying moments, as Nigeria staged a thrilling comeback to win 3-2 on Saturday. The contest lived up to its billing as a pulsating battle between the rising Atlas Lionesses and the seasoned Nigerian Super Falcons, who claimed their record tenth continental crown.
Morocco, playing on home soil and buoyed by passionate local support, began the final with remarkable intensity and confidence. Their opening half was a masterclass of attacking football, marked by sharp passing, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak set the tone early on with a thunderous strike in the 13th minute that left the Nigerian goalkeeper no chance, sending the crowd into raptures.
The Atlas Lionesses pressed their advantage, doubling the lead in the 24th minute through Sanaâ Mssoudy’s exquisite individual effort. Displaying superb footwork down the left flank, Mssoudy cut inside the penalty area and unleashed a precise low left-footed shot that found the far corner of the net, leaving defenders and fans alike in awe. By halftime, Morocco’s dominance was clear, as they controlled the tempo and rhythm of the game, going into the break with a deserved 2-0 lead.
Despite Nigeria registering 56.9% possession, their attacking threat was limited in the first 45 minutes, managing just two shots with only one testing Morocco’s goalkeeper. The Super Falcons appeared tentative, perhaps feeling the weight of history and the hostile atmosphere.
However, the second half saw a transformed Nigerian side, rejuvenated and determined not to let the trophy slip away. Their resilience and experience shone through as they upped the tempo, forced errors from the Moroccan defense, and created several chances. The momentum began to shift, much to the anxiety of the home supporters.
Nigeria Snatches Victory from Morocco in Heartbreaking WAFCON Final Thriller
Nigeria’s comeback began in earnest when their talisman forward converted a well-worked team move midway through the second half, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and reigniting their belief. From that moment, the Super Falcons relentlessly pressed, pushing Morocco deep into their own half.
With the match entering its final quarter, Nigeria equalized through a precise header off a corner kick, sending shockwaves around the stadium and silencing the Moroccan faithful. The Super Falcons had erased the two-goal deficit and were now fully in command psychologically.
In the final minutes, Nigeria struck the decisive blow, scoring the winner amid frantic scenes of celebration on one side and heartbreak on the other. The goal encapsulated Nigeria’s never-say-die spirit and underscored their status as Africa’s dominant force in women’s football.
Morocco’s players and fans were left devastated, having been so close to making history. Yet, the performance of the Atlas Lionesses throughout the tournament and especially in the final marked a watershed moment for women’s football in Morocco, inspiring a generation of young players and elevating the sport’s profile nationally.
The aftermath of the match saw emotional scenes, with Morocco’s captain Chebbak praising her team’s courage but acknowledging Nigeria’s quality and experience. “We showed great heart and passion, and it hurts to come so close, but congratulations to Nigeria for their fighting spirit,” she said.
Nigeria’s coach lauded his team’s resilience and mental strength. “This victory is a testament to our character and belief. We never gave up, and that’s why we are champions again,” he stated.
The 2025 WAFCON final will be remembered as one of the most exciting and dramatic in the tournament’s history. It showcased the rise of new contenders like Morocco while reaffirming Nigeria’s dominance on the continental stage.
As Morocco reflects on what might have been, the future looks bright. The lessons learned and the experience gained promise to fuel continued growth and competitiveness. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s tenth title cements their legacy as the queens of African women’s football, raising the bar for their rivals in years to come.
In the end, this final was not just about winning a trophy; it was about passion, perseverance, and the beautiful game uniting a continent.
Source- moroccoworldnews
