Morocco will face Mali in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following the conclusion of the group stage matches today.
The fixture was confirmed after Mali suffered a 4-0 defeat against South Africa in their final Group C game, allowing Morocco to secure a clash with the runners-up of that group.
Led by Spanish coach Jorge Vilda, Morocco’s women’s national team ended their group stage campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Senegal, topping Group A with 7 points from one draw against Zambia in the opening fixture, and two wins against DR Congo and Senegal.
The result demonstrated the team’s ability to maintain composure under pressure while delivering solid defensive performances throughout the tournament.
Mali, on the other hand, ended the group stage in the third place with 4 points with one win, one draw, and a walloping against South Africa’s attacking power. Morocco will have the opportunity to make the most of the Malian defensive vulnerabilities in their upcoming match next Friday.
Morocco will play Mali on July 18 at 8 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1) at the Olympic Stadium.
The other fixtures are also set:
- Nigeria vs Zambia Jul 18 – 5 pm at Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
- Algeria vs Ghana Jul 19 – 5pm at Municipal Stadium in Berkane.
- South Africa vs Senegal Jul 19- 8 pm at Stade d’Honneur in Oujda.
Morocco will now turn its attention to recovery and focused preparation, knowing that a win against Mali would bring them one step closer to lifting the continental title on home soil.
Aymen Alami contributed to this article.
