Morocco stuns South Africa to reach African Cup of Nations semi-finals

Goals: Ouzraoui (31st), Ait El Haj (52nd, penalty) for Morocco // Kgatlana (67th) for South Africa

The Atlas Lionesses made it through to the semi-finals of the tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa. It was a sweet revenge for Morocco, who exacted their pound of flesh after losing to the Banyana Banyana in the 2022 final. For South Africa, it marked their first quarter-final exit since Desiree Ellis took charge in 2016. Meanwhile, Morocco secured their spot in the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

A shaky start to the game

Morocco had entered the tournament as the only team yet to concede a single goal. Yet, their iron-clad defense cracked early on. The opening goal was a close shave on the 14th minute when Thembi Kgatlana’s effort was palmed away by Khadija Errmichi.

The deadlock was finally broken by Sakina Ouzraoui. The Tenerife forward latched onto a cross from Hanane Ait El Haj and volleyed the ball past the South African goalkeeper (1-0, 32nd minute).

The Atlas Lionesses took a slender lead into halftime but doubled their advantage in the second half. Fikile Magama fouled Ghizlane Chebbak inside the box, giving Morocco a clear penalty. Ait El Haj, already involved in the first goal, stepped up to make it 2-0 (50th minute).

South Africa pulled one back when Magama redeemed herself with a composed finish (2-1, 67th minute). But the Atlas Lionesses held firm, denying the Banyana Banyana any further chances. The victory sealed Morocco’s third consecutive semi-final appearance in the competition.

The journey continues.

Teamsheet

Morocco (4-2-3-1): Errmichi – Ait El Haj, Atiq, Benzina, Redouani – Mrabet, Nakkach – Ouzraoui (Saoud, 90+3), Chebbak (Badri, 57), Tagnaout (Jraidi, 74) – Mssoudy. Head Coach: Jorge Vilda.

South Africa (4-3-3): Swart – Magama, Mbane, Gamede, Dhlamini – Motau (Moodaly, 58), Jane, Molthalo (Donnelly, 84) – Cesane (Ramalepe, 73), Kgatlana, Magaia. Head Coach: Desiree Ellis.