International Friendly: Morocco Women suffer 2-0 defeat to South Africa

Morocco’s women’s national team fell 2-0 to South Africa in an international friendly at the newly renovated Adrar Stadium in Agadir on Tuesday, December 2.

The match is a key warm-up fixture ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host from March 17 to April 3 next year.

The match also marked the official reopening of the stadium, just days before the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off.

The first half ended without a breakthrough. Both sides shared possession evenly, with Morocco recording five free kicks and three fouls, while South Africa earned one corner, three free kicks, and committed five fouls. The opening period was played cleanly, with no bookings or offsides.

South Africa seized control after the break. Nonhlanhla Mthandi opened the scoring in the 70th minute, capitalising on sustained pressure. Noxolo Cesane doubled the lead in the 86th minute, sealing a deserved victory for Banyana Banyana.

Morocco struggled to generate meaningful chances and were unable to respond to South Africa’s late dominance. The match was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2022 WAFCON final in Rabat, where South Africa defeated Morocco 2-1 to claim the continental title.

The defeat serves as a timely reminder of the level required to compete with Africa’s elite as they prepare for a home tournament they are determined to win.