Morocco crushes South Africa to reach Afcon women’s semifinals
Morocco 2-1 South Africa
Goals: Ouzraoui (31st), Ait El Haj (52nd, penalty) for Morocco // Kgatlana (67th) for South Africa
Morocco secured their place in the semifinals of the Afcon Women’s tournament by overcoming South Africa 2-1 in a tightly contested quarter-final clash. This victory marked a historic moment for the Atlas Lionesses, who had previously maintained an unbeaten defensive record in the competition. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana suffered their earliest quarter-final exit since 2016 under coach Desiree Ellis.
Morocco’s qualification also guarantees their participation in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding another milestone to their impressive campaign.
A shaky start turns into a historic win
Jorge Vilda’s side had entered the match with an enviable record of not conceding a single goal in the tournament. However, their defensive solidity was tested from the outset. The first real chance fell to South Africa in the 14th minute when Thembi Kgatlana’s shot was expertly parried away by Khadija Errmichi.
The deadlock was finally broken by Sakina Ouzraoui, who rose to meet a cross from Hanane Ait El Haj and volleyed the ball past the South African goalkeeper to give Morocco the lead (1-0, 31st minute).
The Atlas Lionesses carried their momentum into the second half, and their pressure soon paid off. Fikile Magama’s reckless challenge on Ghizlane Chebbak in the box presented Morocco with a golden opportunity. Ait El Haj, who had already played a pivotal role in the opening goal, stepped up to double Morocco’s lead from the penalty spot (2-0, 52nd minute).
South Africa fought back when Magama redeemed herself with a well-placed finish past Errmichi (2-1, 67th minute). However, Morocco’s defense held firm, preventing the Banyana Banyana from finding an equalizer. The Lionesses’ victory ensured their third consecutive semifinal appearance in the tournament.
