Morocco have reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after beating defending champions South Africa 2-1 in Rabat.
The win also means the team have qualified directly for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring in the 31st minute. Hanan Aït El Haj found her with a good pass before Ouzraoui finished the move.
The hosts kept their lead until half-time.
Aït El Haj then made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute from the penalty spot.
South Africa pulled one back in the 67th minute through Thembi Kgatlana.
The visitors pushed for an equaliser late in the game, but the defence held on.
Nouhaila Benzina was named Player of the Match by the Confederation of African Football technical committee. She made several important interceptions and helped organise the defence with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Morocco had 52% possession, compared with 48% for South Africa.
The hosts had 11 shots, with five on target. South Africa had nine shots, three of which were on target.
Morocco also had six corners, while South Africa had four.
The hosts committed 12 fouls and the visitors 14.
The semi-final will be against either Cameroon or Nigeria. The winner will move one step closer to winning the tournament.
