Morocco's women's national team, the Lionnes de l'Atlas, continued their impressive run at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by defeating South Africa 2-1 on Saturday in Rabat. The victory secured their place in the semi-finals and guaranteed their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, saw Morocco take an early lead, but South Africa equalized before the break. A second-half goal from Morocco sealed the win, sending the home crowd into celebration. The result means Morocco will now face either Nigeria or Zambia in the semi-finals, with a chance to reach the final.
This is a historic achievement for Moroccan women's football, as the team had previously qualified for the 2023 World Cup but failed to advance past the group stage. The 2027 World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, and Morocco will be among the African representatives.
The Lionnes have been dominant throughout the tournament, winning all their group matches and conceding only one goal. Their strong defensive record and attacking flair have made them one of the favorites to lift the trophy on home soil.
With the semi-final scheduled for later this week, Morocco will aim to continue their dream run and potentially secure their first continental title. The team's success has sparked widespread celebration across the country, highlighting the growth of women's football in the region.