Morocco secured first place in Group A at the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after playing out a goalless draw against Senegal on Monday night in Rabat, Bold sports reports.
Although the hosts failed to complete a perfect group-stage campaign, the point was enough to send Jorge Vilda’s side into the quarter-finals as group winners with seven points.
The Atlas Lionesses entered the match after victories over Kenya and Algeria, collecting six points and scoring five goals without conceding. Their solid defensive record remained intact after another clean sheet, underlining why they are among the tournament favourites heading into the knockout rounds.
Morocco controlled possession from the opening whistle and dictated the tempo for long spells. Ghizlane Chebbak returned to the starting lineup and combined well with Sakina Ouzraoui and Elodie Nakkach as the hosts searched for an opening.
Despite Morocco’s attacking intent, Senegal defended with discipline and limited clear-cut opportunities. The Lionesses of Teranga stayed compact throughout the first half, frustrating the home supporters as the teams went into the break level.
The defining moment arrived in the 69th minute when Morocco won a penalty.
Yasmin Mrabet stepped up but Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye guessed correctly to make the save. After officials ordered the penalty to be retaken, Mrabet took responsibility once again, only for Ndiaye to deny her a second time with another outstanding stop.
Those saves proved decisive as Senegal resisted sustained pressure to earn a valuable point.
Vilda responded by introducing Fatima Tagnaout and Najat Badri in search of a breakthrough, while Saoudi also entered during stoppage time. Morocco continued pushing forward, but Senegal remained organised and protected their goal until the final whistle.
Senegal also made changes as Mame Moussa Cissé looked to preserve the result while hoping to create chances on the counterattack. However, neither side found the decisive goal in an increasingly physical closing period.
The draw leaves Morocco unbeaten after three group matches with two wins, one draw, five goals scored and no goals conceded. They advance as Group A winners and will meet the runners-up from Group B in the quarter-finals.
Algeria also booked their place in the last eight after defeating Kenya 2-0 to finish second in the group.
Although Morocco missed the chance to record three straight victories, they enter the knockout stage with confidence thanks to their defensive strength and consistent performances.
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