Hosts Morocco finished top of Group A at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after being held to a goalless draw by Senegal in a tough match in Rabat on Monday night.

The Atlas Lionesses had the chance to claim a third straight victory in the group, but Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye produced the decisive moments of the match by saving two penalties in the second half.

Yasmin Mrabet saw her first penalty saved in the 69th minute, and after the kick was ordered to be retaken, Ndiaye denied her again to keep the match level.

The draw took Morocco to seven points, enough to finish ahead of Algeria, who beat Kenya 2-0 in the group’s other match to secure second place and qualification for the quarter-finals.

Senegal ended third with four points, while Kenya finished bottom without a point.

For Morocco, it was not the perfect finish they wanted in front of their home supporters, but Jorge Vilda’s side remain unbeaten and have still not conceded a goal in the tournament.

• Morocco control but cannot score

Morocco had already qualified before kick-off, but the match still carried importance.

The hosts wanted to complete the group stage with a perfect record after earlier wins over Kenya and Algeria, while Senegal needed a strong result to keep their own qualification hopes alive.

Morocco started with Ghizlane Chebbak back in the starting line-up and looked to impose themselves through possession and movement in midfield.

The Atlas Lionesses had more of the ball and created openings, with Chebbak, Sakina Ouzraoui and Elodie Nakkach all involved in Morocco’s attacking play.

But Senegal defended with discipline and denied the hosts clear space in the final third.

The first half ended 0-0, with Morocco frustrated by a compact Senegalese side determined to stay in the contest.

• Ndiaye delivers penalty drama

The key moment arrived midway through the second half.

Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 69th minute, giving them the chance to break Senegal’s resistance.

Mrabet stepped up, but Ndiaye guessed correctly and saved.

The drama continued when the penalty was ordered to be retaken.

Mrabet took responsibility again, but Ndiaye produced another save, completing a remarkable double stop and giving Senegal a huge lift.

It was the defining passage of the match and one that ensured Senegal remained alive until the final whistle.

Morocco continued to push after the missed penalties, but Senegal’s defence stayed organised and Ndiaye’s confidence grew.

• Vilda turns to bench

Vilda made several changes as Morocco searched for a late winner.

Fatima Tagnaout and Najat Badri were introduced in the 72nd minute to add freshness and creativity, while Soukaina Ouzraoui later made way for Saoudi in stoppage time.

Senegal also made changes, with Mame Moussa Cissé’s side trying to protect the point and find moments on the break.

The Lionesses of Teranga had chances to threaten, but they could not seriously trouble Morocco’s defence often enough.

The closing stages were tense, with both teams collecting bookings as the match became increasingly physical.

But neither side could find a breakthrough.

• Hosts move on as group winners

The draw means Morocco complete the group stage with two wins, one draw, five goals scored and none conceded.

That defensive record will encourage Vilda as the tournament moves into the knockout phase.

The hosts will now face the runner-up from Group B in the quarter-finals, with the group still involving Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania and South Africa.

For Morocco, the result was a reminder that knockout football will demand sharper finishing and greater composure in decisive moments.

But the bigger picture remains positive.

They have topped their group, stayed unbeaten and kept three clean sheets.

Algeria also advanced after their win over Kenya, making it a successful group finish for North African football.

Senegal leave the group stage with pride after holding the hosts and showing strong defensive organisation.

But the night belonged to Morocco’s qualification as group winners — and to Ndiaye’s unforgettable double penalty save.