Morocco defeated South Africa 2-1 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 and secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, Bold Sports reports.
The Atlas Lionesses will now compete in the last four on Wednesday, August 12. Their victory also guarantees the hosts a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Sakina Ouzraoui played another decisive role for Morocco. Her first-half strike was her second goal of the tournament, underlining her importance to the hosts’ WAFCON campaign.
The forward struck in the 31st minute after reacting quickest inside the South African area. She produced a first-time finish and sent the ball beyond Kaylin Swart to give Morocco the lead.
Morocco had earlier threatened through Sanaa Mssoudy. Her 20th-minute header, however, narrowly cleared the crossbar.
South Africa responded immediately. Thembi Kgatlana found space a minute later, but her effort also flew over.
Morocco strengthened their position six minutes after the restart.
Hanane Aït El Haj stepped up from the penalty spot and calmly converted after South Africa committed a foul inside the area.
The goal left Banyana Banyana with a difficult task. However, the former champions responded strongly.
Kgatlana pulled one back in the 67th minute. She broke in from the left and unleashed a powerful strike to reduce the deficit.
South Africa then pushed hard for an equaliser. They kept Morocco under pressure and searched for openings around the penalty area.
Morocco, however, remained disciplined at the back. The hosts restricted clear opportunities and protected their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The 2-1 victory extends Morocco’s impressive run in the competition and moves them into the WAFCON 2026 semi-finals.
More importantly, the result confirms Morocco’s qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
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