South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have been knocked out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening.
Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanan Ait El Haj scored for Morocco, while Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back for South Africa.
The match was a repeat of the 2022 WAFCON final, with both sides also fighting for a place at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Morocco started the brighter of the two teams, with Sanaa Mssoudy heading just wide after meeting a cross from the right.
South Africa responded as Kgatlana created space outside the box, but her effort went narrowly over the target.
The hosts eventually took the lead in the 31st minute. Ouzraoui met a dangerous cross from the right and lifted the ball over South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart to make it 1-0.
Morocco doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half after Noxolo Cesane was penalised for a foul inside the box. A penalty was awarded, and Ait El Haj calmly converted to put the hosts 2-0 ahead.
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis responded by making a change, bringing on Amogelang Motau for Robyn Moodaly-Salgado as South Africa searched for a way back into the game.
The visitors reduced the deficit in the 67th minute through Kgatlana. The forward beat the offside trap and finished from a tight angle, with the goal awarded after a VAR review.
Motau almost equalised moments later, but Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi produced an excellent save to keep her side in front.
South Africa pushed forward in the closing stages and committed more players to attack, but Morocco held firm to secure a 2-1 victory.
The defeat ends Banyana Banyana’s hopes of defending their WAFCON title, while Morocco advance to the semi-finals and secure their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In the semifinals, Morocco will face the winner of Sunday’s quarterfinals between Nigeria and Cameroon .
