Saili tips Morocco to edge Wafcon final against Nigeria

FORMER Zambia Women’s national team player, Melissa Kape Saili, believes host nation Morocco may just edge the highly anticipated Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) final against reigning champions Nigeria.

- SAMEER NAIK

Speaking exclusively to Showmax Premier League ahead of the monumental clash, Saili offered a compelling analysis of the tournament's standout teams and the remarkable growth of women’s football across the continent.

"That’s going to be a cracker of a match," said Saili when asked about the final showdown. “Obviously Morocco have the 12th player with their fans and them playing at home. Nigeria come with experience, having won this competition numerous times. They going to go to any extents to make sure they return the glory that they've always come up with in this tournament."

Despite Nigeria's formidable record, Saili is leaning towards the hosts.

"Morocco will want to get their maiden Wafcon trophy, so between these two teams I would go for Morocco. As much as Nigeria is playing great football, | should maybe try to take a risk and gamble and say Morocco will win it."

She highlighted Morocco's impressive resilience throughout the tournament.

"They've had great mental strength right from the first game. So many times they have come from behind to equalise and win the game. Their mental resilience is excellent.”

“Their endurance levels are brilliant and the tactical way the coach changes the game has been excellent. Look at the game against Ghana, we expected Morocco to crumble and not come back into it, but again they came back with a totally different game tactically."