The GIST: The WAFCON semis are officially set, but not without a major plot twist. Defending champs Nigeria are heading home with a double dose of heartbreak — their title defense is over, and they might not be heading to next summer’s Women’s World Cup either. Here’s how it went down and what’s still at stake.
🔎 ICYMI: There’s been a disappointing lack of WAFCON coverage, and this tourney certainly deserves a bigger spotlight. All four semifinalists — Algeria, Cameroon, Morocco, and Malawi — have automatically qualified for the World Cup, plus the $2M purse. And while four teams celebrate and prepare for the semis, one heavyweight just saw both dreams take a major hit.
💔 The Super Falcons fell 1–0 to Cameroon in yesterday’s quarter-final upset. The Lionesses capitalized on a 20th minute free kick to reach the semis and punch their World Cup ticket, closing the book on Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title and making their path to Brazil a whole lot tougher.
🔒 With the field down to four, the semis kick off Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET with Algeria squaring off against Malawi. Meanwhile, it’s still home sweet home for hosts Morocco, who return to the semis against Cameroon at 4 p.m. ET. More to come closer to kickoff — can’t wait.