A highly anticipated clash awaits this Saturday evening: Morocco takes on South Africa in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, four years after their 2022 final. Kickoff is set for 10 PM, French time.
This matchup inevitably brings back memories of the 2022 WAFCON final, where the South African Banyana Banyana won 2-1 in Rabat, claiming their first continental title. Four years later, the two teams meet again with a dual stake on the line: a spot in the tournament’s final four and a direct qualifying berth for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses impressed throughout the group stage of this 2026 tournament, confirming their status as a rising force in African women’s football.
The defending champions’ path, by contrast, has been rockier. Beaten 2-1 by Tanzania in their opening match, the South Africans then earned a 2-2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire before bouncing back with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso. According to head coach Desiree Ellis, these group-stage struggles have, if anything, strengthened her squad’s resilience.
South Africa can rely on its experience in major tournaments, its collective technical mastery, and its proven ability to handle pressure in knockout matches. Morocco, for its part, has the edge of current momentum and a defensive solidity that has stood out throughout the competition.
It promises to be a contest where ball possession, emotional control, and the opening minutes could prove decisive.
Beyond a place in the WAFCON 2026 semifinals, the winner of this match will secure a direct qualifying spot for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
