Morocco have secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and are now waiting for either Nigeria’s Super Falcons or Cameroon to emerge as their next opponents.
The Atlas Lionesses booked their ticket with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over South Africa on Saturday night, sending the defending champions crashing out of the competition.
Sakina Ouzraoui broke the deadlock for the hosts before Hanan Ait El Haj doubled Morocco’s advantage from the penalty spot.
South Africa fought back through Bayana Bayana, with Thembi Kgatlana pulling one back in the 67th minute, but Morocco held firm to secure a place in the last four.
The victory has set up a potentially explosive rematch with the Super Falcons, who defeated Morocco in the final of the previous edition.
Nigeria, the 10-time WAFCON champions, must first overcome Cameroon in their quarter-final clash to set up another showdown with the hosts.
For Morocco, the prospect of facing Nigeria again will bring back memories of their previous final defeat — and could turn the semi-final into another fierce continental battle.
Beyond the trophy race, the stakes are even higher: all four WAFCON semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The road to Brazil is now within touching distance for Morocco, while Nigeria and Cameroon prepare for a quarter-final battle with a semi-final date against the hosts at stake.
