The Moroccan women’s national football team secured their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2026) after they defeated South Africa 2–1 in the quarter-final match played on Saturday evening at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Sakina Ouzraoui, who capitalized on an excellent assist from teammate Hanan Aït El Haj to give the national side the lead.
The Atlas Lionesses went into halftime with a 1–0 advantage, having imposed their style of play and controlled the first half against a strong South African side.
At the start of the second half, Morocco continued to apply pressure and doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when Hanan Aït El Haj converted a penalty. South Africa then managed to reduce the deficit, scoring their only goal in the 67th minute through Thembi Kgatlana.
Morocco will now face in the semi-finals the winner of the Cameroon–Nigeria quarter-final, with the Atlas Lionesses setting their sights on continuing their run and competing for the continental title.
With this victory the Atlas Lionesses qualify for 2027 World Cup to be hosted by Brazil from June 24 to July 25. This marks the first time a FIFA World Cup will be held in South America.
