The eight teams for the quarterfinals of the ongoing Morocco 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations are set for the race to the semifinals, but none of the clashes comes tougher than Friday’s battle between Nigeria and Zambia.

The teams in the quarterfinals are hosts Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Mali. They made the last eight after intense and gripping group stage games.
 
CAF already rates the first quarterfinal game between the Super Falcons and the Copper Queens as an encounter worthy of a final, as both teams were seen as likely contenders for the ultimate prize going into the competition.
  
Nine-time champions Nigeria have once again proven their ability to rise to the occasion. Boasting a solid defence, the Super Falcons head into this clash with both confidence and caution, aware of the threat posed by a formidable Zambian side.
 
Zambia, which finished second in their group behind hosts Morocco, are known for their attacking firepower. Led by the dynamic duo of Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, the Copper Queens are clinical and creative, ready to seize any opportunity. This match also serves as a rematch of the 2022 third-place playoff, where Zambia edged Nigeria 1–0.
 
The second quarterfinal game will see hosts Morocco, battling with Mali for another tilt at the trophy they lost to South Africa last term. The match will be held at the Stade Olympique, Rabat.
 
With seven points from the group stage, Morocco topped their group through a blend of cohesive play and disciplined defending. Led by their iconic captain Ghizlane Chebbak, the Atlas Lionesses are aiming to rise to the occasion on home soil in a packed Stade Olympique in Rabat.
 
Their opponents, Mali, are a determined side capable of challenging any team. Effective in transition and mentally resilient, they secured qualification from a tough group. Expect a tightly contested battle: Morocco, riding a wave of confidence and home support, versus a fearless Malian team banking on their physical presence and athletic prowess.
 
The Algeria versus Ghana game is akin to a match between an established empress and an emerging queen going by the pedigree of the Black Queens and the rising profile of the Algerians.
 
Algeria has emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament. Under head coach Farid Benstiti, the team has struck a balance between tactical discipline and attacking flair. Their historic quarterfinal qualification is the result of diligent work by a united squad and a driven technical team.
 
Facing them is Ghana, one of the heavyweights of African women’s football. With a rich history in the tournament, the Black Queens are aiming for their first semifinal appearance since 2016. Known for their physicality, high pressing, and ability to shift gears in the final third, Ghana will present a formidable challenge.
 
Defending champions, South Africa, will be up against an ambitious Senegal in a game that promises more excitement than the one-sided game that pundits have predicted.
 
South Africa remain one of the tournament favourites. With leaders like Refiloe Jane and Jermaine Seoposenwe, Coach Desiree Ellis’s team relies on a well-oiled collective and strong technical ability. Although they stumbled slightly in the group stage, including a 1–1 draw with Tanzania, Banyana Banyana delivered when it mattered most. Their clash with Senegal promises to be a stern test.
 
Senegal advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. They have showcased impressive tactical discipline, solid defensive structure, and unrelenting determination. Matching their opponents in physical intensity, Senegal aims to disrupt South Africa’s rhythm and capitalize on quick transitions and counterattacks.