Morocco overcome tough Mali test to reach WAFCON semifinals

2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hosts Morocco are through to the semifinals following Friday evening’s 3-1 victory over Mali in Rabat.

Ibtissam Jraidi’s goal inside ten minutes put the Atlas Lionesses on the front foot and gave the hosts a lead they would not relinquish. Jraidi completed her brace in the 79th minute with a perfect penalty kick after Sanaâ Mssoudy was hacked down in the Malian penalty area before a late goalkeeping error handed Morocco their third.

Mali did show plenty of fight but lacked quality in the final third. An apparent equalizer from a set piece in the 37th minute was cancelled out due to offsides, a disappointing end to a strong finish to the half from the Malian team.

But the hosts showed their quality in the second half and faced little danger. Substitute Mssoudy embarked on a strong run down the right flank and was tripped up after a slick change of direction, allowing Jraidi to place her spot kick into the top corner.

Kenza Chappelle was gifted a goal when her cross was mishandled by Malian goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao. Mali continued to show fight and were rewarded with a consolation goal in the final moments when Aissata Traoré put her spot kick off the post and in after a foul was committed in the Moroccan penalty area.

Morocco will now await the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal between Algeria and Ghana, who the hosts will face on July 22 in Rabat.