Morocco, Algeria reach WAFCON semis, book World Cup spots

JOHANNESBURG: A triumphant night for north Africa ended Saturday with hosts Morocco and Algeria reaching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinals and securing places at next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

They took contrasting paths to quarter-final success, with Morocco building a two-goal lead before defending resolutely against South Africa for a 2-1 victory in Rabat, while Algeria came from behind against Ivory Coast in Casablanca to win by the same scoreline.

The four WAFCON semifinalists qualify automatically for the World Cup, which will be held from June 24 to July 25, 2027.

For Algeria, the victory secured a historic first appearance at the women’s World Cup. Morocco will return to the global finals after reaching the round of 16 in 2023.

Morocco withstand South Africa fightback

Morocco, runners-up to South Africa four years ago, took the lead after 31 minutes when Sakina Ouzraoui volleyed her second goal of the tournament over goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.

Hanane Ait El Hajj doubled the advantage six minutes into the second half after Morocco were awarded a penalty for Noxolo Cesane’s challenge on Ghizlane Chebbak.

Moroccan goalkeeping heroics. Khadija Er-Rmichi. #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/UIqW5vFuUw

— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) August 8, 2026

South Africa, who won the WAFCON title in 2022, pulled one back through Thembi Kgatlana in the 67th minute after a lengthy video review overturned an initial offside decision.

Kgatlana had earlier gone close in the first half and has now scored nine WAFCON goals since making her tournament debut in 2018.

Morocco held on for victory and will face the winner of Sunday’s quarter-final between defending champions Nigeria and Cameroon