Morocco Defeat South Africa to Reach WAFCON Semi-Finals, Qualify for 2027 Women’s World Cup

Morocco secured a place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cupafter defeating defending champions South Africa 2–1 in a dramatic quarter-final in Rabat on Saturday.

Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane Aït El Hajscored for the hosts, while Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back for South Africa. The victory guarantees Morocco a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and sends the Atlas Lionesses into the last four of the continental tournament.

Morocco will meet the winner of the quarter-final between Nigeria and Cameroon in the semi-finals.

The hosts took control of the contest in the 32nd minute when Ouzraoui produced a superb finish. Aït El Haj delivered a cross from deep and Ouzraoui connected with a volley, lifting the ball over South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart to put Morocco ahead.

The goal was Ouzraoui’s second of the tournament and gave Morocco the advantage at half-time.

Morocco came close to doubling their lead before the interval when captain Ghizlane Chebbak spotted Swart off her line and attempted to lob the goalkeeper, but her effort went over the crossbar.

The Atlas Lionesses did not have to wait long for a second goal after the restart.

In the 49th minute, South Africa defender Noxolo Cesane was penalised for a challenge on Chebbak inside the area. Aït El Haj stepped up and confidently converted the resulting penalty to put Morocco 2–0 ahead.

South Africa responded through Kgatlana, who reduced the deficit in the 67th minute.

The forward latched onto a pass from Karabo Dhlamini, beat the offside trap and fired past Morocco’s defence. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was awarded after a lengthy video review.

The goal gave Banyana Banyana renewed hope, and South Africa enjoyed more possession during the closing stages. Morocco, however, resisted the pressure and held on for a 2–1 victory.

The result ends South Africa’s defence of the WAFCON title, while Morocco advance to the semi-finals for the second consecutive edition.

For Morocco, the victory also completes another significant step in the country’s rapid rise in women’s football. The Atlas Lionesses made their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in 2023 and reached the round of 16; their victory over South Africa now guarantees a second consecutive appearance at the global tournament.