Morocco secured top spot in Group A and a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after drawing 0-0 with Senegal in their final group match.
The result was enough for the Atlas Lionesses to finish the group stage on seven points, while Senegal were eliminated from the competition after collecting four points.
Morocco dominated much of the second half and had a major opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 63rd minute. However, Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye twice denied Yasmin Mbaret from the spot as the Atlas Lionesses failed to turn their pressure into a goal.
The first penalty was taken two minutes after the decision was awarded, with Mbaret stepping forward to take responsibility. Ndiaye produced an impressive save to keep the scores level and preserve Senegal’s hopes of holding on for a result.
But the penalty drama did not end there.
VAR intervened after the initial attempt and ruled that Ndiaye had moved off her goal line before the kick was taken. The decision meant Morocco were given another opportunity from 12 yards.
Mbaret again took charge of the situation when the penalty was retaken in the 68th minute.
Yet the outcome was the same.
Ndiaye stood firm once more and saved Mbaret’s second attempt, denying Morocco what appeared to be their clearest route to breaking the deadlock.
Despite controlling large portions of the second half, Morocco could not find the decisive goal. Senegal also failed to create the breakthrough they needed to keep their tournament campaign alive.
Eight minutes of added time provided both teams with further opportunities to change the result, but neither side could find a winning goal.
The final whistle confirmed a result that suited Morocco but ended Senegal’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
Morocco finish Group A in first place with seven points and advance to the quarter-finals as group winners. Their unbeaten run through the group stage also gives the hosts a strong platform as they prepare for the next phase of the tournament.
For Senegal, the draw was not enough. They end their WAFCON campaign with four points and will leave the competition after failing to secure a place in the last eight.
Morocco’s progress was secured despite their inability to convert their dominance after the break into a goal. The two missed penalties, both saved by Ndiaye, proved to be the defining moments of a match in which the Atlas Lionesses repeatedly searched for a way through.
The result also means Morocco enter the knockout rounds with momentum after successfully navigating Group A.
Senegal, meanwhile, will reflect on a campaign that ends at the group stage. Their final match produced a disciplined defensive performance, but Morocco’s control after the interval and the resulting pressure ultimately ensured the hosts remained in command of the group.
With the group stage now complete, Morocco turn their attention to the quarter-finals and the opportunity to continue their challenge for the WAFCON title on home soil.
