Morocco stuns South Africa to reach Afcon women’s semifinals
Morocco 2-1 South Africa
Goals: Ouzraoui (31st), Ait El Haj (52nd pen) for Morocco // Kgatlana (67th) for South Africa
The Atlas Lionesses secured their place in the semifinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. This result marked South Africa’s revenge against Morocco for their 2022 final defeat. For the Banyana Banyana, it was a historic setback as this was their first quarterfinal exit since Desiree Ellis took charge in 2016. Meanwhile, Morocco’s win guarantees their qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
A shaky start to the match
Morocco had been the only team in the tournament to keep a clean sheet until this clash. The Atlas Lionesses were determined to maintain their defensive record, but the game kicked off slowly. The first real chance arrived in the 14th minute when Thembi Kgatlana’s shot was brilliantly saved by Khadija Errmichi. However, Morocco broke the deadlock through Sakina Ouzraoui’s individual brilliance. After receiving a cross from Hanane Ait El Haj, the Tenerife forward volleyed the ball past the South African goalkeeper (1-0, 32nd minute).
The lead was short-lived but soon extended. In the second half, Fikile Magama committed a foul on Ghizlane Chebbak inside the box, giving Morocco a penalty. Ait El Haj, already involved in the first goal, stepped up to double the lead (2-0, 50th minute). Just as the match seemed decided, Magama pulled one back for South Africa (2-1, 67th minute). The Banyana Banyana pushed hard for an equalizer, but Morocco’s defense held firm. A convincing victory secured Morocco’s third consecutive semifinal appearance in the competition.
The journey continues.
Morocco (4-2-3-1): Errmichi – Ait El Haj, Atiq, Benzina, Redouani – Mrabet, Nakkach – Ouzraoui (Saoud, 90th+3), Chebbak (Badri, 57th), Tagnaout (Jraidi, 74th) – Mssoudy. Head Coach: Jorge Vilda.
South Africa (4-3-3): Swart – Magama, Mbane, Gamede, Dhlamini – Motau (Moodaly, 58th), Jane, Molthalo (Donnelly, 84th) – Cesane (Ramalepe, 73rd), Kgatlana, Magaia. Head Coach: Desiree Ellis.
