Morocco reach quarter-finals as Group A winners after Senegal stalemate

Hosts Morocco finished top of Group A at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after being held to a goalless draw by Senegal in a tough match in Rabat on Monday night. The Atlas Lionesses had the chance to claim a third straight victory in the group, but Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye produced the decisive moments of the match by saving two penalties in the second half. Yasmin Mrabet saw her first penalty saved in the 69th minute, and after the kick was ordered to be retaken, Ndiaye denied her again to keep the match level,CAFreports.

The draw took Morocco to seven points, enough to finish ahead of Algeria, who beat Kenya 2-0 in the group’s other match to secure second place and qualification for the quarter-finals. Senegal ended third with four points, while Kenya finished bottom without a point. For Morocco, it was not the perfect finish they wanted in front of their home supporters, but Jorge Vilda’s side remain unbeaten and have still not conceded a goal in the tournament.

The draw means Morocco complete the group stage with two wins, one draw, five goals scored and none conceded. That defensive record will encourage Vilda as the tournament moves into the knockout phase. The hosts will now face the runner-up from Group B in the quarter-finals, with the group still involving Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania and South Africa.

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For Morocco, the result was a reminder that knockout football will demand sharper finishing and greater composure in decisive moments. They have topped their group, stayed unbeaten and kept three clean sheets. Algeria also advanced after their win over Kenya, making it a successful group finish for North African football. Senegal leave the group stage with pride after holding the hosts and showing strong defensive organisation.

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