Morocco vs. Nigeria: Preview, prediction, h2h, player to watch as Atlas Lionesses hunt down Super Falcons

The second semifinal of the 2022 Wafcon has thrown up an explosive conflict between the spectacular hosts and the skilled defending champions

A ticket to Saturday’s ultimate is up for grabs when Nigeria face Morocco later at present within the semifinal of the 2022 Girls Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) on the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat.

Each groups have already certified for subsequent yr’s FIFA Girls’s World Cup after making it to this stage of the competitors.

Only a few issues come near lifting the last word trophy in probably the most vital feminine championship on the continent, although. And that will be the only real goal of the 2 sides after they face off on Monday night time.

Match Preview

As probably the most profitable crew on the Wafcon with a file 9 titles, defending champions Nigeria want no introduction.

They suffered a bumpy begin in Morocco, dropping their opening match to South Africa.

However the coach Randy Waldrum-tutored women haven’t been discovered wanting since.

The Falcons carved out spectacular victories over Botswana, Burundi, and Cameroon to take care of their file of reaching the ultimate 4 of each version of the Wafcon.

Solely on two events in 11 earlier makes an attempt have Nigeria didn’t proceed to the ultimate after attending to this stage of the competitors.

In Morocco, although, the Falcons meet a high quality crew able to halting their momentum.

The Atlas Lionesses have been among the finest groups at this championship, claiming wins within the 4 video games performed.

The North Africans defeated Burkina Faso (1-0), Uganda (3-1), and Senegal (1-0) to prime Group A and qualify for the knockout levels for the primary time in historical past.

They continued their run additional into uncharted territory after they beat Botswana 2-1 within the quarterfinals.

Led by Reynald Pedros, the French coach who guided Lyon to the UEFA Girls’s Champions League in 2018 and 2019, Morocco play some glorious soccer.

On paper, Nigeria are the overwhelming favorite, however the Atlas Lionesses won’t be simple prey in entrance of their darling supporters.

Face to face

Morocco ought to retain no good recollections of the 2 earlier clashes in opposition to Nigeria on the Wafcon.

Of their first-ever assembly on the group stage of the 1998 version, the Falcons humiliated the Lionesses 8-0 on residence soil. That defeat stays the worst in Moroccan soccer historical past.

The 2 groups met once more on the following version in South Africa (Wafcon 2000), with Nigeria handing one other 6-0 thrashing.

The Falcons went on to raise the trophy on each events.

However cheered on by the 50,000 followers anticipated on the Moulay Abdellah Complicated, Morocco will look to be third time fortunate in opposition to their West African sisters.

Match particulars

Competitors: Africa Girls Cup of Nations
Match: Morocco vs. Nigeria
Stage: Semifinals
Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah
Date: Monday, July 18, 2022
Kickoff: 9 pm (Nigerian time)

Participant to observe

Even within the enforced absence of Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria have proven that they’ve a number of matchwinners of their crew.

Uchenna Kanu supplied the crushing brace in opposition to Burundi, whereas Rasheedat Ajibade provided the sucker punch that knocked out Cameroon final outing.

This recreation, nonetheless, appears to be like like the proper one for American-born Ifeoma Onumonu to make her mark.

Huge, robust, and irrepressible, the 28-year-old striker was on the right track in opposition to Botswana. And he or she might show too sizzling to deal with for Morocco.

Prediction

Given their observe file and expertise, Nigeria needs to be profitable this by some snug margin. However Morocco have proven they won’t be pushovers for anyone and this contest may very well be extra carefully fought than many count on.

The Tremendous Falcons’ general high quality, although, ought to see them edge a tricky encounter in opposition to this hungry Lionesses

Tip: Morocco 1 – 2 Nigeria