Nigeria’s Super Falcons laid down a ruthless marker at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 5–0 demolition of Zambia in the quarterfinals, while hosts Morocco thrilled a packed home stadium in Rabat by overpowering Mali 3–1 to book a second consecutive semifinal appearance.

In Casablanca, Nigeria wasted no time asserting dominance. Centre-back Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring in just the second minute, heading in from a set piece. Esther Okoronkwo doubled the advantage with a composed finish after half an hour, punishing Zambia for a missed chance by Grace Chanda moments earlier. Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3–0 just before halftime, exploiting defensive indecision to extend Nigeria’s lead.In the second half, Oluwatosin Demehin rose highest to nod home the fourth goal from another well-worked set piece, before Folashade Ijamilusi completed the rout in stoppage time with a calm finish. The Super Falcons, record nine-time champions, remain unbeaten and yet to concede in the tournament. Their feared opponents Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji who had scored three goals apiece in the group stage were completely neutralised, failing to register a shot on target.

The win sets up a mouthwatering semifinal for Nigeria, who will now face either defending champions South Africa or Senegal.

Meanwhile in Rabat, Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses fed off the electric home atmosphere to dispatch Mali 3–1 in a confident and disciplined display. Ibtissam Jraidi was the star of the night, opening the scoring with a sharp finish in the 7th minute and later converting a 79th-minute penalty to complete her brace. The game was put beyond doubt when substitute Kenza Chapelle added a third in the 89th minute, just five minutes after coming on.

Mali managed a late consolation when Aissata Traoré converted a penalty deep in stoppage time, but the damage had already been done. It was a disappointing end to a tournament that had seen flashes of promise from the West Africans, but one in which they ultimately fell short.

With the win, Jorge Vilda’s charges advance to the semifinals where they await the winner of the Algeria vs Ghana clash. Still chasing a maiden WAFCON title, the hosts will look to ride the wave of home support and momentum into the final.

The remaining quarterfinals are set to be played today:

Algeria vs Ghana at 7:00 PM EAT in Berkane

South Africa vs Senegal at 10:00 PM EAT in Oujda