Morocco take on South Africa in a high-stakes WAFCON 2026 quarter-final on Saturday. The clash takes place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00pm WAT.
The hosts enter the tie after winning two group games and drawing one. They beat Kenya and Algeria before a 0-0 draw with Senegal. South Africa, meanwhile, ended their group campaign with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso. Thembi Kgatlana scored the decisive goal. It was her second goal of the tournament and her eighth at the WAFCON.
The quarter-final brings back memories of the 2022 WAFCON final. South Africa beat Morocco 2-1 in Rabat. Hildah Magaia scored twice for Banyana Banyana. She struck in the 63rd and 71st minutes.
Rosella Ayane pulled one back for Morocco in the 80th minute. South Africa held on to claim their first continental title. The meeting remains the only previous WAFCON clash between both nations.
Morocco now have a chance to avenge that defeat. They also want another semi-final appearance.
The hosts have won both of their previous WAFCON quarter-finals. They beat Botswana in 2022. They then defeated Mali 3-1 in 2024.
Morocco have reached the knockout stage for the third straight edition. They have also reached this stage at every WAFCON they have hosted. Their record under Jorge Vilda has been impressive.
Morocco have lost only once in nine WAFCON matches under Vilda. They have recorded five wins and three draws.
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Their defensive record also stands out this year. Morocco completed the group stage without conceding. They have now kept three clean sheets at the tournament.
Khadija Er-Rmichi played a key role against Senegal. She made three saves in that match. It also gave her a third clean sheet at the current finals.
Ghizlane Chebbak also produced an influential display. She recorded four key passes against Senegal.
However, Morocco will want more attacking efficiency. They failed to score against Senegal after scoring in 14 straight WAFCON matches.
South Africa arrive with strong knockout-stage experience. Banyana Banyana have reached at least the semi-finals in their last nine tournament appearances. They have also reached the last four in every edition since 2004.
Desiree Ellis has guided the team through another difficult campaign. South Africa failed to win their opening two group games. They recovered by beating Burkina Faso 1-0.
Kgatlana provided the difference. Her goal also continued an impressive personal record.
She has scored in South Africa’s last two matches. Her eight WAFCON goals have come across seven matches.
South Africa have won six of those games. They drew the other one.
Fikile Magama supplied the assist for Kgatlana’s winner against Burkina Faso. Bambanani Mbane also impressed in that match. She completed 41 passes and won 12 duels.
The quarter-final carries more than a semi-final place. The winners will also secure automatic qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
Morocco are chasing only their second World Cup appearance. They made their debut at the 2023 tournament.
South Africa are seeking a third appearance. Banyana Banyana featured at the 2019 and 2023 editions.
Both sides therefore have another major prize within reach.
For Morocco, there is also unfinished business from 2022.
For South Africa, there is a chance to extend their remarkable WAFCON knockout record.
The stage is set for another major contest between two of Africa’s leading women’s teams.
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