WAFCON 2026: Unbeaten Morocco advance to quarter-finals after draw with Senegal

Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as Group A winners after a frustrating goalless draw against Senegal in Rabat on Monday night.

The Atlas Lionesses were denied a third successive victory by Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye, who produced two crucial penalty saves in the second half to preserve a valuable point for her side.

Despite the disappointment of dropping points on home soil, Morocco finished the group stage unbeaten with seven points, edging Algeria into second place after the North Africans defeated Kenya 2-0 in the other Group A encounter.

Ndiaye denies Morocco from the spot

Morocco dominated much of the contest and were handed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 69th minute when they were awarded a penalty.

Yasmin Mrabet stepped up, but Ndiaye guessed correctly to make an excellent save.

After a VAR review ordered the penalty to be retaken, Mrabet was given another chance to put the hosts ahead, only for Ndiaye to once again come to Senegal’s rescue with a second impressive stop.

The Senegal goalkeeper’s heroics ensured the match finished without a goal, frustrating the home supporters in Rabat.

Atlas Lionesses complete group stage unbeaten

Although they failed to secure maximum points, Morocco will take confidence from an impressive group-stage campaign in which they remained undefeated and did not concede a single goal.

Jorge Vilda’s side finished with two wins and one draw, scoring five goals and collecting seven points from their three matches.

Their defensive solidity has been one of the standout features of their tournament so far and will provide encouragement as the competition enters the knockout stage.

Quarter-final challenge awaits

The draw was enough to secure top spot in Group A, with Algeria finishing one point behind after sealing qualification with victory over Kenya.

Senegal ended the group stage in third place with four points, while Kenya bowed out of the tournament without registering a point.

Morocco will now face the runners-up from Group B in the quarter-finals, with Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania and South Africa all still in contention.

The hosts may not have produced the perfect ending to the group stage, but they remain unbeaten and firmly on course in their pursuit of a first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.