Jorge Vilda’s side booked their place in the semifinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, August 8, after eliminating the Banyana Banyana with a 2-1 win at Rabat’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium. The victory also secured Morocco’s place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
For the decisive match, Jorge Vilda made just one change to his starting lineup, with Fatima Tagnaout replacing forward Ibtissam Jraidi.
The first half was closely contested, with neither side creating many chances. There was plenty of sloppy play and a number of fouls called by the referee. Morocco had to wait until the 32nd minute to open the scoring, with Sakina Ouzraoui finding the net after a well-delivered cross from right-back Hanane Ait El Haj.
Shortly after the restart, Hanane Ait El Haj doubled Morocco’s lead from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute. South Africa pulled one back in the 67th minute through forward Thembi Kgatlana.
The Atlas Lionesses will face the winner of Sunday’s quarterfinal between Cameroon and Nigeria in the semifinals. The match will be played on Sunday, August 9, at Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
The Atlas Lionesses finished top of Group A with seven points. Morocco made a strong start to the tournament with a convincing 4-0 win over Kenya, before beating Algeria 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with Senegal.
