Morocco and South Africa battle for World Cup place in WAFCON quarter-finals

Hosts Morocco face reigning champions South Africa in a high-pressure Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final on Saturday, with a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup also on the line.

The winner of the tie in Rabat will advance to the semi-finals and claim one of Africa’s four automatic qualification spots for the tournament in Brazil.

Morocco reached the knockout stages after finishing top of Group A with seven points, while South Africa progressed as runners-up in Group B after collecting four points.

Morocco chase history on home soil

The Atlas Lionesses have enjoyed an impressive group-stage campaign, opening with victory over Kenya before defeating Algeria 1-0 and rounding off their matches with a goalless draw against Senegal.

Coach Jorge Vilda’s side heads into the quarter-finals without conceding a goal, with captain Ghizlane Chebbak expected to lead a squad that also includes key attacking players Sanaa Mssoudy, Sakina Ouzraoui and Meriem Ait El Haj.

Morocco are still searching for their first continental title and Saturday’s match offers the hosts an opportunity to move one step closer to making history on home soil.

South Africa seek repeat success

Banyana Banyana recovered from a difficult start to their campaign to reach the last eight.

After losing their opening match to Tanzania, South Africa rescued a point against Côte d’Ivoire before beating Burkina Faso to secure second place in Group B.

The match also carries added significance for Morocco, who have the chance to avenge their defeat to South Africa in the previous WAFCON final, when Banyana Banyana lifted the trophy in Morocco.

South Africa forward Gabriela Salgado believes her side can overcome the hosts despite the challenge ahead.

“It’s not going to be easy against the hosts. We want to get the World Cup ticket, and we can defeat Morocco,” Salgado said.

World Cup dream within reach

With a place in the semi-finals and a ticket to Brazil 2027 at stake, both teams know the significance of Saturday’s encounter.

For Morocco, victory would maintain hopes of a first African crown, while South Africa are aiming to keep alive their quest to retain the continental title.