Hosts Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after battling to a goalless draw with Senegal in their final Group A fixture on Tuesday.
Although the Atlas Lionesses dominated large spells of the contest and created numerous scoring opportunities, including two penalties, they were repeatedly frustrated by Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye, whose heroics ensured the match ended 0-0.
The result was enough for Morocco to top Group A with seven points, while Algeria claimed second place on six points following a 2-0 victory over Kenya. Senegal finished third with four points and were eliminated despite their spirited display.
Senegal threatened inside the opening two minutes when Seynabou Mbengue unleashed a curling effort from distance, forcing Khadija Errmichi into an early save.
Morocco quickly settled into the game and began piling on the pressure.
Sakina Ouzraoui tested Ndiaye with a low drive before Ghizlane Chebbak’s inviting free-kick found Nouhaila Benzina, whose header drifted over the crossbar.
Chebbak continued to trouble the Senegalese defence, first firing narrowly wide after controlling Elodie Nakkach’s through ball before seeing another effort blocked following a swift counterattack.
Senegal remained dangerous on the break.
Nguenar Ndiaye forced another save from Errmichi midway through the first half, while Ndeye Diakhate came agonisingly close to opening the scoring when her powerful half-volley crashed against the crossbar.
At the other end, Ndiaye produced more outstanding saves to deny Nakkach and Morocco went into the interval still searching for the breakthrough.
The second half began amid controversy after Morocco appealed for a penalty following a handball inside the area.
After consulting VAR, the referee upheld her original decision and awarded only a free-kick, sparking heated exchanges between both sets of players.
Morocco eventually earned a penalty in the 66th minute when Ouzraoui was brought down inside the box.
Yasmin Mrabet stepped up, but Ndiaye guessed correctly and pushed the effort away.
The spot-kick was ordered to be retaken, but the outcome remained unchanged as Ndiaye again denied Mrabet with another brilliant save, preserving Senegal’s hopes.
The Atlas Lionesses continued to dominate possession and chances.
Ouzraoui dazzled with a solo run through the defence but dragged her effort wide, while Chebbak, Benzina and Sanaa Mssoudy all came close in the closing stages without finding the decisive goal.
Senegal also searched for a late winner through Nguenar Ndiaye and Mama Diop, but Morocco’s defence held firm as both sides settled for a point.
The draw confirmed Morocco as Group A winners with seven points, while Algeria advanced as runners-up after defeating Kenya.
Senegal’s campaign ended in disappointment despite collecting four points, with their opening-day defeat to Algeria ultimately proving decisive after quarter-final appearances in the previous two editions.
Morocco will now face the runners-up from Group B in the quarter-finals, with that position to be decided after the group’s final round of matches.
