Kick off: 8 pm
Venue: Stade Olympique de Rabat
Host Nation Morocco will aim to lift their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title when they meet Nigeria on Saturday evening at the Stade Olympique de Rabat.
Nine-time record winners of the competition, Nigeria, will try to protect their unbeaten record in the finals of the competition, having won every time they have reached the final.
Match preview
Morocco, who are hosting the tournament for a second consecutive time, topped Group A after opening their campaign with a 2-2 draw against the highly rated Zambia.
The Atlas Lionesses followed it with two wins over D.R Congo (4-2) and Senegal (1-0). Morocco in the quarter-final defeated Mali and recorded a 4-2 victory on penalties against Ghana in the semi-finals after the energy-sapping 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.
Head coach Jorge Vilda will be wary of his defence after being able to keep just one clean sheet in five games facing the free-scoring Nigeria.
Morocco have scored an impressive 11 goals in the competition, making them one of the sides that have a very good attack.
The North Africans have enjoyed almost a near-perfect tournament and will be relying on the home crowd at the Stade Olympique de Rabat to make history.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have stepped up at the business end of the competition after looking very unconvincing in their group games against Botswana and Algeria, after they opened their campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Tunisia.
Nigeria’s 5-0 disintegration of Zambia in the quarter-finals was a bit shocking, looking at how formidable the Zambians were.
With five different scorers against Zambia, the Super Falcons do not heavily rely on just one player as they used to in recent years.
A total of 12 goals have been scored, with just one conceded by Nigeria.
Justin Madugu, the head coach of Nigeria, has a huge legacy to protect and will be willing to ink his name in the history of Nigerian and African football with a victory over Morocco.
Morocco WAFCON form:
D W W W W
Nigeria WAFCON form:
W W D W W
Team News
34-year-old Ghizlane Chebbak, who has scored four goals for Morocco in the five games played thus far. Nigeria must keep an eye on her because she is extremely dangerous.
Sevilla midfielder Fatima Tagnouti, who started from the bench in the victory over Ghana, is expected to regain her starting slot against Nigeria.
The experienced Asisat Oshoala was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win against Banyana Banyana of South Africa, and she is due to return to the starting lineup due to her vast experience at this level.
Forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Rasheedat Ajibade are expected to keep their places in the attack for Nigeria.
No major injury news has been reported from both camps ahead of the crucial clash.
Morocco possible starting lineup:
Ermichi; Ait El Haj, Rabbah, Benzina, Redouani, Chebbak, Nakkach, Mrabet, Ouzraoui Diki, Tagnouti, Jraidi
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nnadozie; Alozie, Demehin, Ohale, Plumptre, Ayinde, Echegini, Ijamilusi, Ajibade, Ihezuo, Oshoala
We say; Morocco 1-2 Nigeria
Morocco are playing their second consecutive finals and will be fighting hard to lift the trophy.
Nigeria’s vast experience at this level will make the difference between the two.
With Nigeria playing their 10th final and having won all nine played, expect them to be too hot to be handled, although the Moroccans can never be written off.
