WAFCON 2026: Morocco and Algeria book semi-final slots after slender quarter-final victories
By Joel Masibo, August 9, 2026Morocco’s impressive run at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 continued on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after the hosts defeated South Africa 2-1 to book their place in the semi-finals.
The victory carries added significance for the Atlas Lionesses, who have also secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Morocco started the quarter-final brightly and came close to taking the lead in the 20th minute. Sanaa Mssoudy connected with a cross and directed a header towards goal, but her attempt narrowly missed the target.
South Africa quickly responded, with Thembi Kgatlana getting an opportunity just a minute later. However, her effort also went over as both teams looked for an early advantage.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 31st minute. Sakina Ouzraoui reacted sharply inside the penalty area before producing an excellent first-time finish that beat South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
Ouzraoui’s strike was her second goal of the competition and gave Morocco a 1-0 advantage heading into the interval.
Morocco extended their lead shortly after half-time. Six minutes into the second period, Hanane Aït El Haj stepped up to take a penalty and confidently sent the ball past Swart after South Africa were penalised for a foul inside the box.
With their opponents now two goals behind, South Africa responded by stepping up their attacking efforts.
Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Kgatlana pulled one back for Banyana Banyana. The forward moved in from the left before unleashing a powerful shot to put South Africa within touching distance of an equaliser.
The goal sparked a determined push from the former champions, who spent the closing stages applying pressure on Morocco’s defence.
Morocco, however, stood firm. The hosts maintained their defensive shape and prevented South Africa from creating enough clear opportunities to force the game into extra time.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 Moroccan victory, sending the hosts through to the last four of the tournament.
Morocco will now contest their semi-final on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Algeria edge Ivory Coast
The result also delivered a landmark achievement for the Fennecs, who have qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup as well for the first time. Their place at the 2027 tournament in Brazil was confirmed by reaching the last four of the WAFCON 2026.
Côte d’Ivoire initially looked on course for victory after Ines Konan put them ahead in the 30th minute. Algeria, however, responded strongly after the break, with Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham scoring to complete a memorable turnaround.
The achievement represents a major step forward for Farid Benstiti’s team. Algeria had suffered disappointment at the quarter-final stage of the previous edition, losing to Ghana in a penalty shootout following a goalless encounter.
Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, still have a route towards the World Cup despite their elimination. The expanded qualification format gives the four quarter-final losers another chance through an African play-off. The two teams that emerge from that stage will then enter the FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-offs.