The triumph delivered a measure of revenge for Morocco, who lost to South Africa 2-1 in the 2022 WAFCON final on home soil.
Ouzraoui and Aït El Haj Strike
Morocco took control of the quarter-final clash with an assertive performance in front of their home supporters. The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute when Sakina Ouzraoui produced a superb volley, looping the ball over South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The hosts doubled their advantage six minutes into the second half. Ghizlane Chebbak was brought down in the penalty area by Noxolo Cesane, and Hanane Aït El Haj stepped up to calmly convert the resulting spot-kick in the 51st minute.
South Africa responded with urgency, and their star forward Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back in the 67th minute. After a lengthy Video Assistant Referee review overturned an initial offside decision, Kgatlana raced through on goal and fired past Khadija Er-Rmichi to halve the deficit.
Kgatlana's goal was her ninth in WAFCON appearances since her tournament debut in 2018 and her third of this year's competition.
Morocco's Defence Holds Firm
South Africa pushed forward relentlessly in search of an equaliser, but Morocco's defence remained resolute. The Atlas Lionesses managed to contain the South African attack during a tense closing period to secure the victory.
The result eliminates the defending champions and ends their bid to win a second consecutive WAFCON title. However, South Africa still has a path to the World Cup. They will play on Thursday for a spot in an intercontinental playoff.
Revenge and World Cup Qualification
The victory sends Morocco into the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Sunday's quarter-final between Nigeria and Cameroon on Wednesday, August 12.
More significantly, the win guarantees Morocco a place at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, marking their second appearance at the global tournament after reaching the round of 16 in 2023.
Morocco join Algeria, who earlier defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca, as the first two teams to secure World Cup qualification from the tournament. The Atlas Lionesses will now turn their attention to the semifinals, with the ultimate goal of lifting their first WAFCON trophy on home soil.
With reporting from AP News, Arab News, beIN SPORTS, Soccer Laduma and Morocco World News.
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