Played at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Monday evening, the contest was defined by the heroics of Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye, who saved two consecutive penalties from Morocco’s Yasmin Mrabet in the second half.
Ndiaye Steals the Spotlight
Morocco, already assured of a place in the quarter-finals, controlled large periods of the match and created the clearer opportunities. The decisive moment arrived around the 69th minute when the hosts were awarded a penalty. Mrabet stepped up, only for Ndiaye to dive the correct way and make a strong save.
The referee ordered a retake, but Ndiaye repeated the feat, denying Mrabet a second time and preserving the deadlock in front of a passionate home crowd.
Senegal also threatened, with one effort crashing against the crossbar, yet neither side could find a breakthrough. The draw left Morocco on seven points and confirmed them as Group A winners. Senegal finished third on four points and were eliminated after Algeria secured the second qualification spot with victory over Kenya.
Group A Outcome
Morocco’s result ensured they advanced as group leaders, while Senegal’s campaign ended at the group stage despite a resolute final performance against the hosts. The Lionesses of the Atlas now progress to the quarter-finals with momentum on home soil.
The goalless stalemate highlighted Senegal’s organisational strength and the outstanding individual contribution of Ndiaye, but it was Morocco who achieved their primary objective of topping the group ahead of the knockout rounds.