After their tough-fought victories in Tuesday’s semi-finals, Nigeria and Morocco are scheduled to meet on Saturday, July 26, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat to decide the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winner.

At Rabat’s Stade Olympique, the home team, Morocco, prevailed in a tense penalty shootout against Ghana. Simultaneously, Nigeria performed a stunning 21 win over South Africa, the reigning champions, in their game in Casablanca.

Finding the rear of the net four minutes into stoppage time, Michelle Alozie fired a fantastic floating free kick that eluded both the oncoming Nigerian attacker and the goalkeeper of South Africa, thus sealing the win.

Opening the scoring for the nine-time winners, Nigeria, with a penalty just before halftime was Rasheedat Ajibade. But South Africa rapidly countered with a spot kick of their own in the 60th minute, successfully converted by Linda Motlhalo.

Alozie threw a cross deep into the penalty area just as it appeared the game would go into overtime, catching South Africa’s goalie, Andile Dlamini, under pressure from two Nigerian forwards, thereby scoring the winning goal.

Originally seen as the underdogs against Morocco, Ghana seized the lead in the 26th minute thanks to Stella Nyameke. Morocco, though, levelled following the break with a strike by Sakina Ouzraoui and ultimately triumphed 42 in the penalty shootout after additional time.

Friday in Casablanca, Ghana and South Africa will square off to challenge for third place; the final match is scheduled for Saturday in Rabat.

Originally set for last year, this competition was rescheduled because of a scheduling conflict with the women’s soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics. Excitingly, Morocco will also be hosting the next Women’s Cup of Nations next year.