Rabat – Morocco face South Africa tonight at Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Atlas Lionesses reached the knockout stage after topping Group A with seven points and without conceding a single goal. South Africa finished second in Group B with four points after a difficult but determined group-stage campaign.
The winner will advance to the semi-finals and secure direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The match also carries extra meaning for Morocco, who lost the 2022 WAFCON final 2–1 to South Africa in Rabat.
Match Details:
Fixture: Morocco vs South Africa
Competition: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, Quarter-Final
Venue: Stade Moulay Hassan, Rabat
Date: Saturday, August 8
Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. Morocco time / 8:00 p.m. GMT
How to watch: beIN Sports and beIN Sports Connect; CAF TV in selected markets; SuperSport and SABC in South Africa
Morocco Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Morocco have no major injury or suspension concerns reported ahead of the quarter-final.
Returns/Doubts: Head coach Jorge Vilda is expected to return to his strongest lineup after rotating several players in the final group match against Senegal.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak should return to a central role, while Ibtissam Jraidi is expected to lead the attack.
Recent Form: Morocco have been one of the strongest teams in the tournament so far.
The Atlas Lionesses opened with a 4–0 win over Kenya, then beat Algeria 1–0 before drawing 0–0 with Senegal in their final group match.
Morocco finished top of Group A with seven points and three clean sheets, showing defensive control and strong organization.
Key Players: Jraidi remains Morocco’s main scoring threat and has already scored twice at the tournament. Chebbak brings leadership, creativity and experience in midfield.
Sakina Ouzraoui and Sanaa Mssoudy can create problems from wide areas, while Nouhaila Benzina and Khadija Er-Rmichi have helped Morocco keep three straight clean sheets.
Likely XI: Er-Rmichi; Ait El Haj, Benzina, Atiq, Redouani; M’Rabet, Nakkach, Chebbak; Ouzraoui, Jraidi, Mssoudy.
South Africa Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: South Africa have no major injury or suspension concerns reported before the match.
Returns/Doubts: Desiree Ellis is expected to keep the core of the team that defeated Burkina Faso in the final group match.
Kaylin Swart should continue in goal, while Refiloe Jane and Linda Motlhalo are expected to lead the midfield.
Recent Form: South Africa had a difficult start to the tournament, losing 2–1 to Tanzania in their opening match.
Banyana Banyana then fought back from 2–0 down to draw 2–2 with Côte d’Ivoire before beating Burkina Faso 1–0 to secure qualification.
The result was enough to send the defending 2022 champions into the quarter-finals, but they will need their best performance of the tournament against the hosts.
Key Players: Thembi Kgatlana remains South Africa’s biggest attacking threat. Her pace and movement on the counter can trouble Morocco’s defense.
Hildah Magaia also carries big-match experience after scoring twice against Morocco in the 2022 WAFCON final. Jane and Motlhalo will be important in midfield if South Africa want to control transitions.
Likely XI: Swart; Maponya, Mbane, Dhlamini, Magama; Jane, Cesane, Motlhalo; Ludwig, Magaia, Kgatlana.
What to Expect
Morocco are favorites because of their home advantage, defensive record and stronger group-stage form. Vilda’s team will likely control possession and try to create chances through Chebbak, Jraidi and Ouzraoui.
South Africa will look to stay compact and attack quickly through Kgatlana and Magaia. Ellis’ side have not looked as dominant as in 2022, but they still have the experience and individual quality to hurt Morocco.
The match should be tight and emotional. Morocco will see it as a chance for revenge after losing the 2022 final, while South Africa will believe they can repeat that success in Rabat.
The first goal could decide the game. If Morocco score early, South Africa may be forced to open up. If Banyana Banyana keep the match level, their counter-attacks could become dangerous.
Safe Bets
Morocco to Win: The Atlas Lionesses have home advantage, stronger form and three clean sheets.
Under 2.5 Goals: Quarter-finals are usually cautious, and Morocco have not conceded so far.
Ibtissam Jraidi to Score or Assist: Jraidi remains Morocco’s most reliable attacking threat.
