Hosts Morocco face their biggest test at the ongoing TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations when they take on the reigning African champions Nigeria tonight for a place in the coveted final.
The Atlas Lionesses have won all their four games at the continental tournament so far but against the Super Falcons, they face a very experienced team that knows a thing or two about reaching the final.
Monday’s clash is a record 12th time Nigeria will be featuring in the semifinals of the WAFCON and they have won nine times falling short only in 2008 and 2012. The big question is – can Morocco stop the Super Falcons?
The Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex is set to be an absolute cauldron for the mouthwatering semifinal of the 2022 TotalEnergies WAFCON.
On paper, Nigeria is the overwhelming favourite, given their track record and experience.
The two teams have only met twice before and both times (in the 1998 and 2000 WAFCON group stage) the Super Falcons thrashed Morocco (8-0 and 6-0).
But this is a quality Morocco side, who will be considerably lifted by the 50 000 expected at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum said in his pre-match press conference that all their players were happy with having achieved the objective of World Cup qualification and were well rested and prepared for the semifinal.
Waldrum knows his team is in for a very tough evening in Rabat.
“I saw them for the first time in September and I was very impressed by the quality of their team and by the football they play. I said as soon as I arrived in Morocco that they are the team that can surprise. I know how this team has developed for three years now.
They are one of the best teams in the competition and are capable of beating any other team. We have respect for Morocco and the way they have played in this tournament. It's a big challenge for us. Certainly, we have a lot of experience and a lot see us as favourites, but in football everything is possible and we have to be ready for this game,” said Waldrum.
Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi said: “No matter who we face, whether it's the host country or whatever, it's football... we have to be ready to win and qualify for the final.”
This clash has all the ingredients of the old hands and masters up against a hungry new team eager to create their own history in front of their fanatical home fans.
It is going to be a game not to be missed. Kick off is at 21h00 local time at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex.
SOURCE: CAF AND SUPERSPORT
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