Rabat – Morocco defeated South Africa 2-1 on Saturday in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-finals, booking their place in the semi-finals and securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Atlas Lionesses took the lead before Hanan Ait El Haj doubled Morocco’s advantage from the penalty spot in the 51st minute.
South Africa responded through Thembi Kgatlana, who scored in the 67th minute to reduce the deficit and give her team hope of a comeback.
Morocco, however, held on to their 2-1 advantage until the final whistle to secure a crucial victory and advance to the last four.
Morocco secure World Cup qualification
The quarter-final victory guarantees Morocco a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The achievement adds another milestone to the Atlas Lionesses’ rise on the continental stage. Morocco reached their first WAFCON final in 2022 and have now returned to the semi-finals while securing another appearance at the Women’s World Cup.
The qualification gives Morocco another opportunity to compete on the global stage as they continue to establish themselves among Africa’s leading women’s teams.
Atlas Lionesses keep title hopes alive
Morocco’s victory also keeps their bid for a first WAFCON title alive.
The Atlas Lionesses are now through to the semi-finals and remain in contention for the continental trophy on home soil.
After reaching the final in 2022, Morocco will now look to go one step further and reach the final again, with the ultimate goal of lifting their first WAFCON trophy.
South Africa eliminated
South Africa’s defeat brings their campaign to an end.
Kgatlana’s 67th-minute goal gave the South Africans hope of finding an equalizer, but Morocco successfully protected their lead until the final whistle.
The Atlas Lionesses will now turn their attention to the semi-finals, while their victory has also secured their ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Morocco are now one step away from the WAFCON final and two wins from their first continental title.
