Morocco end Banyana Banyana’s Wafcon title defence and World Cup hopes

Morocco ended South Africa’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 quarter-final victory at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, securing their place in the semi-finals and qualification for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The defeat means Banyana Banyana must now take the longer route if they are to reach the global tournament. They will face the loser of Sunday’s quarter-final between Malawi and Ghana on Thursday, with a place in one of the two intercontinental play-off berths available through the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at stake.

South Africa’s progress in Morocco had already been uncharacteristically unconvincing. The reigning African champions won only one of their three group-stage matches, drawing one and losing one, before advancing to the last eight.

Morocco made the most of home advantage from the opening stages, with a passionate crowd creating an intimidating atmosphere for South Africa. Banyana were whistled whenever they had possession as the hosts controlled the pace and rhythm of the match.

Sakina Ouzraoui and captain Ghizlane Chebbak were central to Morocco’s early attacking play, combining with their team-mates in and around the edge of the South African penalty area. The pressure forced Banyana Banyana to commit more players to defensive positions, leaving Thembi Kgatlana with little support in attack.

South Africa’s clearest route forward in the opening half came through long passes from Bambanani Mbane and Karabo Dhlamini. Those deliveries were aimed at Kgatlana, but Morocco’s defence reacted quickly enough to prevent the forward from exploiting the space behind them.

The hosts eventually took the lead in the 31st minute. Ouzraoui finished first time from just outside the penalty area after Hanane Ait El Haj picked her out with a diagonal pass. The strike left South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart visibly frustrated.

Morocco continued to look more composed, with coach Jorge Vilda remaining on his feet for much of the contest. South Africa manager Desiree Ellis, by contrast, rarely left her seat, while fitness coach Ridhaa Allie and goalkeeper coach Lucky Shiburi were the more vocal figures in the Banyana Banyana technical area.

South Africa’s task became even more difficult seven minutes into the second half when Noxolo Cesane brought down Chebbak inside the penalty area. The Moroccan captain was eventually forced to leave the field, but Ait El Haj converted the resulting penalty in the 52nd minute to double the hosts’ advantage.

Banyana Banyana appeared disorganised after conceding the second goal, although Morocco’s intensity began to drop. The introduction of Robyn Moodaly provided South Africa with fresh energy and helped them play with greater urgency.

That pressure produced a response in the 67th minute. Kgatlana beat the offside trap after receiving a through ball from Dhlamini and calmly pulled a goal back for South Africa.

The goal was checked extensively by the video assistant referee after the assistant referee on the right had initially flagged for offside. The decision was overturned, giving Banyana Banyana a lifeline, but Morocco held on to reach the semi-finals and confirm their place at next year’s World Cup.