Wafcon 2022: Morocco and Zambia eye semi-final upsets

After securing their maiden World Cup tickets, Morocco and Zambia are looking to upset illustrious opponents Nigeria and South Africa in Monday's semi-finals at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).

The Atlas Lionesses have won all their four games on home soil, but face a tough task to reach the final in the shape of nine-time champions, the Super Falcons.

Nigeria, who have played in all eight Women's World Cup finals, are unbothered that Morocco will be roared on by a partisan crowd as they look for a place in their first final.

"We have played against teams playing at home and we know how to manage games like this. We do not care about how many people are in the stadium," experienced midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene said.

"We shall come into this game with the sole purpose of winning and going to the final."

Tricky game for Banyana

The first semi-final pits Zambia against four-time runners up South Africa.

Zambia coach Bruce Mwape told BBC Sport Africa that the continental title is a realistic target for the Copper Queens, but admits they face a tricky game against familiar opponent and favourites Banyana Banyana.

"It is a derby, and a derby is not only to be played, but to be won," Mwape said during the pre-match news conference.

Always the bridesmaids but never the bride, South Africa - who lost their fourth final last time out in 2018 - are hoping their 12th appearance will finally deliver a hitherto-elusive continental crown.

Despite losing the Ghana 2018 final on penalties to Nigeria, Desiree Ellis, coach since 2018, must see off Zambia to stand another chance.

And, after playing all their previous four games in the city of Rabat, South Africa will be playing in Casablanca for the first time in the tournament against their unpredictable rivals.

"It's life in competition. Every time you take one step, you have to adapt to another environment," said Ellis.

"That is the way it is. Fortunately, we have a group of professionals who know this kind of thing and who adapt quickly."

This article originally appeared on BBC Sport

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