Hosts Morocco Secure Semifinal Spot with Convincing 3–1 Win Over Mali

Morocco's Atlas Lionesses have booked their place in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, following a clinical 3–1 victory over Mali in their quarter-final clash at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.

Key Moments

  • 7′ – Ibtissam Jraïdi opened the scoring early, sprinting onto a precise assist from Sakina Ouzraoui Diki before firing calmly into the bottom left corner to give hosts Morocco the lead heading into halftime.

  • 79′ – Jraïdi doubled her tally and Morocco’s lead from the spot after Sanaâ Mssoudy was brought down in the box, converting the penalty into the top corner.

  • 89′ – Kenza Chapelle sealed the third goal with a low-driven strike that slipped through the gloves of Mali’s goalkeeper Fatoumata Karantao, effectively ending the contest.

Late in stoppage time, Mali grabbed a consolation goal when Aïssata Traoré converted a penalty in the 97th minute, but Morocco’s earlier dominance had already sealed their progression.


Tactical Insights

Under the guidance of coach Jorge Vilda, Morocco controlled possession and territory from the outset, forcing Mali onto the back foot and limiting clear chances. Mali displayed moments of fight, especially in set-piece situations, but lacked the finishing quality to threaten a comeback.

The Moroccan coach also deployed tactical substitutions—introducing Élodie Nakkach and Sanaâ Mssoudy at halftime—that sustained attacking pressure and helped preserve defensive structure in the second half.


What Lies Ahead

Morocco will now advance to face the winner of the Ghana vs Algeria quarter-final in the semi-finals, scheduled in Rabat later this week. With the advantage of home support and tactical cohesion, the hosts continue their quest for a maiden WAFCON title.


Match Summary

Team Goalscorers
Morocco Ibtissam Jraïdi (7′, 79′ pen), Kenza Chapelle (89′)
Mali Aïssata Traoré (90+7′ pen)

This comprehensive win highlights Morocco’s attacking excellence and strategic maturity, while signaling another step forward in their continental ambitions.

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