Morocco Advances to Wafcon Semi-Finals with Convincing Victory
Morocco made a strong statement in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) by securing their place in the semi-finals with a commanding 3-1 win over Mali in Rabat. The Atlas Lionesses showcased their dominance throughout the match, displaying both tactical discipline and attacking flair.
The opening goal came early in the seventh minute when striker Ibtissam Jraidi found the back of the net. She capitalized on a precise right-wing cross from Sakina Ouzraoui, tapping the ball into the net to give Morocco the lead. This early strike set the tone for what would be a dominant performance by the hosts.
Despite the initial goal, Mali showed determination in the first half, but they struggled to create meaningful chances against a well-organized Moroccan defense. The second goal came in the 79th minute, as Jraidi once again proved her importance to the team. She converted a penalty after Sanaa Mssoudy was fouled inside the box. This goal extended Morocco’s lead and further solidified their control of the match.
With just one minute of regular time remaining, Morocco added a third goal through Kenza Chapelle. Her goal came after the Mali goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao, failed to deal with a long-range shot. Chapelle capitalized on the mistake, slotting the ball into the net to seal the victory.
Mali did manage to score a consolation goal in stoppage time, as Aissata Traore converted a penalty. However, this late goal did little to change the outcome of the match, as Morocco maintained their composure and never looked threatened.
This victory marks another significant achievement for Morocco, as they have now reached their second consecutive Wafcon semi-final. The Atlas Lionesses will now face either Algeria or Ghana in the upcoming semi-final, which is scheduled to take place in Rabat on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT.
Key Moments from the Match
- Early Goal: Ibtissam Jraidi opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a clinical finish.
- Penalty Conversion: Jraidi scored again in the 79th minute after a foul on Sanaa Mssoudy.
- Third Goal: Kenza Chapelle added a third goal in the final minutes of the match.
- Consolation Goal: Aissata Traore scored a late penalty for Mali, but it was too little, too late.
Looking Ahead
With this impressive performance, Morocco has demonstrated their strength and readiness to compete at the highest level in African women’s football. Their next challenge will be against either Algeria or Ghana, two formidable opponents that have also shown great form in the tournament.
Fans across the continent are eagerly anticipating the semi-final clash, which promises to be a thrilling encounter. Morocco’s ability to maintain focus and execute their game plan will be crucial as they aim to advance to the final and claim the title of Wafcon champions.
