Morocco edges past South Africa to reach African Cup of Nations semifinals

The Moroccan women’s national team secured their spot in the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over South Africa on Saturday night, avenging their 2022 final loss. The Banyana Banyana suffered their earliest exit from the tournament since Desiree Ellis took charge in 2016, while Morocco also booked their place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Defensive lapses test Moroccan resolve

Morocco had prided themselves on conceding no goals before this match, but their iron curtain cracked early. The opening exchanges were sluggish, with South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana testing Khadija Errmichi in the 14th minute. Any hopes of maintaining a clean sheet vanished when Sakina Ouzraoui capitalized on a Hanane Ait El Haj cross, volleying home a precise finish to give Morocco the lead in the 32nd minute.

The Atlas Lionesses doubled their advantage just after halftime when Fikile Magama fouled Ghizlane Chebbak in the box. Ait El Haj converted the resulting penalty, extending Morocco’s lead to 2-0 in the 50th minute. Though Magama pulled one back for South Africa in the 67th minute, Morocco’s defense held firm under relentless pressure. The victory marks Morocco’s third consecutive semifinal appearance in the competition.

The journey continues for the Moroccan side, who now set their sights on the next stage.

Key lineups and tactical setup

Morocco (4-2-3-1): Errmichi – Ait El Haj, Atiq, Benzina, Redouani – Mrabet, Nakkach – Ouzraoui (Saoud, 90+3’), Chebbak (Badri, 57’), Tagnaout (Jraidi, 74’) – Mssoudy. Head coach: Jorge Vilda.

South Africa (4-3-3): Swart – Magama, Mbane, Gamede, Dhlamini – Motau (Moodaly, 58’), Jane, Molthalo (Donnelly, 84’) – Cesane (Ramalepe, 73’), Kgatlana, Magaia. Head coach: Desiree Ellis.