Morocco secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating South Africa 2-1 in a closely contested quarter-final on Saturday.

Playing on home soil, the Atlas Lionesses made a strong start and created the first major opening around the 20th minute when Sanaa Mssoudy headed just over the crossbar.

South Africa quickly responded, with Thembi Kgatlana sending an effort over as both sides searched for an early breakthrough.

Morocco eventually took the lead in the 31st minute through Sakina Ouzraoui. The forward reacted sharply inside the penalty area to finish first-time and give the hosts a 1-0 advantage going into the interval.

The North Africans doubled their lead shortly after the restart. Ibtissam Jraïdi successfully converted a penalty after Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a foul inside the box.

South Africa refused to give up and found a way back into the contest in the 67th minute. Kgatlana produced an impressive finish after cutting in from the left and firing a powerful effort beyond the Moroccan goalkeeper.

Banyana Banyana increased the pressure in search of an equaliser, but Morocco defended resolutely during the final stages to protect their advantage.

The victory sends Morocco into the last four and also confirms their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Morocco will now face either Nigeria or Cameroon in the semi-finals. Nigeria advanced from the group stage with a convincing 6-2 victory over Egypt and will meet Cameroon in their quarter-final.