Morocco secured a place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating South Africa 2-1 on Saturday.
The Atlas Lionesses produced a strong performance in Rabat to eliminate the defending champions and keep their hopes of winning their first continental title alive.
Sakina Ouzraoui gave Morocco the lead before Hanane Aït El Haj doubled their advantage, putting the hosts in control of the quarter-final.
South Africa, however, refused to surrender and pulled a goal back through Thembi Kgatlana in the 67th minute.
The Banyana Banyana pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Morocco held firm to secure a place in the last four.
The result also guaranteed Morocco qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Morocco’s victory carries additional significance given their history with South Africa.
The two nations met in the 2022 WAFCON final, when South Africa claimed a 2-1 victory to win their first African title.
This time, however, Morocco turned the tables on the defending champions to continue their impressive campaign on home soil.
The Atlas Lionesses will face the winner of Sunday’s quarter-final between Nigeria and Cameroon in the WAFCON semi-finals.
For South Africa, the defeat ends their title defence and their hopes of retaining the continental crown.
Morocco now have the opportunity to go one step closer to winning their first WAFCON title while preparing for their second appearance at the Women’s World Cup.
