Morocco Beat South Africa 2-1 to Secure Women’s World Cup Qualification

Morocco booked their place at next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating South Africa 2-1 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal on Saturday.

Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, producing a composed finish over South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart to put Morocco ahead.

Morocco doubled their advantage shortly after half-time when they were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute following Noxolo Cesane’s challenge on Ghizlane Chebbak. Hanane Aït El Haj converted from the spot to make it 2-0.

South Africa responded through Thembi Kgatlana in the 67th minute. Her goal was initially ruled out for offside but was awarded after a lengthy video review, giving the defending champions hope of a comeback.

Kgatlana had earlier gone close in the 22nd minute, but her effort narrowly missed the target. Her latest goal also took her tally to nine goals in WAFCON appearances since making her tournament debut for South Africa in 2018.

Morocco held on during the closing stages to secure a historic victory and qualify for their second Women’s World Cup. The North African side made their tournament debut at the 2023 World Cup, where they advanced to the round of 16.

Morocco will now face the winner of the Nigeria-Cameroon quarterfinal in the WAFCON semifinal on Wednesday.

South Africa’s World Cup hopes are not over. The losing quarterfinalists will compete on Thursday for a place in an intercontinental playoff, keeping the door open for another route to qualification.