On a night filled with tension and high drama in Rabat, hosts Morocco sealed their place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after edging Ghana 4-2 on penalties. The semi-final clash had ended 1-1 after extra time, but the Atlas Lionesses showed grit and composure in the shootout, much to the delight of their home crowd. Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi stepped up when it mattered most, making a vital save to send Morocco through to their second consecutive WAFCON final.

Ghana started the game with intent and energy, taking the lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye, who pounced on a loose ball inside the box after a corner. The Black Queens looked sharper in the opening half, with dangerous runs and clever link-up play from the likes of Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Marfo keeping Morocco on the back foot. But the home side came out of the break with renewed determination, and their persistence paid off when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki bundled home the equaliser in the 55th minute.

What followed was a gripping back-and-forth contest, with both sides throwing everything forward in search of a winner. Ghana’s Evelyn Badu narrowly missed a golden chance in extra time, while Morocco pushed hard with efforts from Ibtissam Jraïdi and Kenza Chapelle. As the minutes wore on, tired legs and injuries added to the drama, but neither team could find a breakthrough, forcing a shootout to decide the finalist.

When the moment came, Morocco showed nerves of steel. Hanane Aït El Haj, Jraïdi, Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari all scored from the spot, while Ghana faltered under pressure, missing twice. As the final whistle confirmed Morocco’s place in the final against Nigeria, the stadium erupted in celebration. For Ghana, there was heartbreak, but also one more opportunity to leave the tournament with a medal when they face South Africa in the third-place playoff on Friday.

England’s Lionesses produced a thrilling comeback to defeat Italy 2-1 after extra time and advance to the final of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. In a tense semi-final clash in Geneva, the reigning champions found themselves trailing after Barbara Bonansea gave Italy a deserved lead in the first half. The Azzurre defended well and nearly saw out the win, frustrating England with disciplined play and sharp counterattacks.

But England kept pressing and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang scored a dramatic equaliser in the 96th minute. The young forward reacted quickly to a loose ball in the box and fired home to bring the Lionesses level, sending the match into extra time and lifting the energy of the squad and supporters alike.

The winner came in the 119th minute when Beth Mead was brought down in the box, earning England a penalty. Chloe Kelly’s initial shot was saved, but she made no mistake with the rebound, slotting it home to seal the victory. The goal marked another iconic moment for Kelly, who also scored the winner in the Euro 2022 final. Her composure in a high-pressure moment once again proved decisive for England.

With the win, Sarina Wiegman’s side advance to their third consecutive major final, where they will face either Germany or Spain on Sunday in Basel. The match was a testament to England’s resilience and depth, with Wiegman’s tactical changes making the difference. Italy, despite the heartbreak, leave the tournament with heads held high after a valiant run to the semi-finals.

Manchester United have named a 32-man squad for the American leg of Tour 2025, presented by Snapdragon.

Ruben Amorim’s side are competing in the Premier League Summer Series for the first time, with the action kicking off this weekend, against West Ham United.

The clash with the Hammers starts at midnight on Sunday morning, and is being staged at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Matches follow against Bournemouth and Everton in the tournament, which provides valuable pre-season preparation for the upcoming campaign.

All three matches are being shown live on MUTV, except to viewers in the US, and summer signings Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and Bryan Mbeumo are all on the flight.

Mbeumo, who sealed his move from Brentford on Monday night, trained with his new colleagues for the first time ahead of making the journey across the Atlantic.

Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia all left OUT of Manchester United squad for pre-season tour. Harry Maguire also not with the team but only due to personal reasons, he will be back soon.

TOUR SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Will Murdock, Andre Onana.

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Reece Munro, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro.

Midfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Bruno Fernandes, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte.

Forwards: Amad, Matheus Cunha, Rasmus Hojlund, Bendito Mantato, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Ethan Williams, Joshua Zirkzee.

manutd.com