The Moroccan women’s national football team secured their place in the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa. The Lionesses of the Atlas Mountains overcame a resilient Banyana Banyana side to claim the second spot in the last four, following Algeria’s earlier triumph.

The match, played under the floodlights, saw Morocco bounce back from a historic setback against South Africa in the 2022 final. For the South African team, it marked a significant milestone as they became the first side to lose a quarterfinal since Desiree Ellis took charge in 2016. Meanwhile, Morocco also booked their ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through this hard-earned win.

A shaky start turns into a historic triumph

Morocco had entered the tournament as the only team yet to concede a goal. Yet, their unbeaten defensive record faced its first real test against South Africa. The early exchanges were slow, with the only noteworthy attempt in the opening 15 minutes coming from Thembi Kgatlana, whose shot was comfortably saved by Khadija Errmichi.

It was an individual moment of brilliance that broke the deadlock. Sakina Ouzraoui, upon receiving a cross from Hanane Ait El Haj, unleashed a stunning volley past the South African goalkeeper to put Morocco ahead (1-0, 32nd minute). The momentum swung firmly in Morocco’s favor as they headed into halftime with a slender lead.

South Africa fights back but Morocco holds firm

The second half started with Morocco applying relentless pressure. Their efforts were rewarded when Fikile Magama committed a foul in the box on Ghizlane Chebbak. Ait El Haj stepped up to double Morocco’s advantage from the spot (2-0, 52nd minute), capitalizing on a moment of defensive frailty.

South Africa pulled one back through Magama’s first goal of the tournament (2-1, 67th minute), injecting a dose of hope into their campaign. However, the Moroccan defense, led by Errmichi, stood strong against the Banyana Banyana’s late onslaught. With the score unchanged, Morocco celebrated a well-deserved victory and their third consecutive semifinal appearance in the competition.

A new chapter awaits as the Lionesses of the Atlas Mountains continue their quest for continental glory.

Match line-ups

Morocco (4-2-3-1): Errmichi – Ait El Haj, Atiq, Benzina, Redouani – Mrabet, Nakkach – Ouzraoui (Saoud, 90’+3), Chebbak (Badri, 57′), Tagnaout (Jraidi, 74′) – Mssoudy. Head coach: Jorge Vilda.

South Africa (4-3-3): Swart – Magama, Mbane, Gamede, Dhlamini – Motau (Moodaly, 58′), Jane, Molthalo (Donnelly, 84′) – Cesane (Ramalepe, 73′), Kgatlana, Magaia. Head coach: Desiree Ellis.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst