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Hosts Morocco and Zambia have secured their spots in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following narrow but decisive victories in their final Group A matches on Saturday.
Yasmin Mrabet’s first-half penalty was the difference as Morocco edged Senegal 1-0 in Rabat to finish top of the group, while Racheal Kundananji’s early strike gave Zambia a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo in Mohammedia.
VAR Controversy as Morocco Top Group
The Atlas Lionesses emerged victorious in a scrappy and often ill-tempered affair that was dominated by officiating drama. The turning point came late in the first half when referee Shamirah Nabadda, after initially missing an off-the-ball clash between Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye and Morocco striker Ibtissam Jraidi, was advised to consult the pitchside monitor.
Replays showed Ndiaye striking Jraidi in the face with her forearm while carrying the ball. Despite the review being indicated as a potential red card check, Nabadda opted to award a penalty and issued only a yellow card to the Senegal shot-stopper.
Mrabet held her nerve in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, sending Ndiaye the wrong way to convert Morocco’s third penalty of the tournament and secure all three points.
The result sees Morocco finish the group stage unbeaten on seven points—edging Zambia to first place on goal difference.
Kundananji Fires Zambia into Last Eight
Earlier in Mohammedia, Zambia booked their place in the quarter-finals thanks to a ninth-minute goal from star forward Racheal Kundananji, who calmly slotted home after a defensive lapse by DR Congo.
The Leopardesses’ hopes of a comeback were further dashed when midfielder Falonne Pambani was sent off in the 69th minute for a dangerous foul on Ireen Lungu.
The victory means the Copper Queens also finish the group with seven points, but fall behind Morocco due to inferior goal difference.
Quarter-Final Picture Takes Shape
As group winners, Morocco will remain in Rabat for their quarter-final clash on Friday, where they will face one of the best-ranked third-place teams from Group B or C.
Zambia, meanwhile, will stay in Mohammedia and face the winners of Group B—likely to be Nigeria, if the Super Falcons avoid defeat against Algeria in their final group match on Sunday.
Senegal, who ended the group stage in third place with three points, must now wait to learn whether they will progress as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Officials in the Spotlight
A capacity crowd packed the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, creating a lively atmosphere that included pounding drums and giant Moroccan flags waving under a cool evening breeze. But the match itself offered more controversy than quality football.
Several decisions by match officials shaped the game. Aside from the penalty drama, both sides had goals disallowed for offside, while Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak saw a late strike ruled out after another VAR review. In total, seven yellow cards were handed out in a match that became increasingly scrappy.
Despite flashes of attacking intent, Senegal struggled to create clear-cut chances, while Morocco’s superior technical play saw them miss multiple opportunities to extend their lead.
If Senegal qualify as one of the best third-placed sides, they will travel to Oujda next Saturday to face the winners of Group C.