- CAN (F)
- Quarter-finals
- Morocco-South Africa (2-1)
Morocco overcomes South Africa to advance to CAF Women’s Africa Cup semifinals
Match summary: Morocco 2-1 South Africa
Goals: Ouzraoui (31st), Ait El Haj (52nd, penalty) for Morocco // Kgatlana (67th) for South Africa
In a thrilling quarter-final clash, the Moroccan women’s national team secured their spot in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup semifinals by defeating South Africa 2-1. This victory not only marks Morocco’s third consecutive semi-final appearance but also ensures their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For South Africa, despite the loss, it’s their earliest exit in a quarter-final since Desiree Ellis took charge in 2016.
A hard-fought victory against resilient opponents
The Atlas Lionesses entered the match as the tournament’s only team yet to concede a goal. Yet, their defensive record faced its toughest test against a determined South African side. The opening exchanges were cautious, with South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana testing Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi with a powerful shot in the 14th minute.
Morocco’s breakthrough came through an individual brilliance. Sakina Ouzraoui capitalized on a pinpoint cross from Hanane Ait El Haj, volleying the ball past the South African goalkeeper with precision (1-0, 32nd minute). The first half ended with Morocco holding a slender lead, but the game remained finely poised.
South Africa began the second half strongly, but Morocco quickly restored their two-goal advantage. Fikile Magama committed a foul in the box on Ghizlane Chebbak, presenting Ait El Haj with a golden opportunity to double the lead from the penalty spot (2-0, 50th minute). Just as South Africa seemed to be mounting a comeback, Magama redeemed herself by pulling a goal back for her team (2-1, 67th minute). Despite their late surge, South Africa could not breach Morocco’s defense again, sealing Morocco’s hard-earned victory.
The Atlas Lionesses will now face Algeria in the semi-finals, who earlier defeated Nigeria 2-1, after the Desert Foxes secured their place with a dramatic last-gasp winner.
Line-ups
