Hosts, the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco and Algeria have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nation after the conclusion of matches in Group A on Monday night.
The other two teams in the group, the Teranga Lionesses of Senegal and Harambee Starlets of Kenya were eliminated.
Morocco topped the group with seven points after playing out a goalless draw against Senegal at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat in a match highlighted by a dramatic penalty incident.
The hosts were awarded a penalty which Yasmin Mrabet stepped up to take. Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye made the save, but the referee ordered a retake after ruling that the goalkeeper had moved off her line before the kick was taken.
Morocco initially attempted to switch penalty takers, with captain Ghizlane Chebbak stepping in.
However, the referee insisted that Mrabet must retake the penalty. Ndiaye again denied the Moroccan defender, keeping the scores goalless and earning Senegal a point.
Unfortunately, the four points Senegal garnered was not enough to secure qualification to the quarter finals.
In the other Group A encounter at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Algeria defeated Kenya 2-0 to book their place in the last eight.
Marine Dafeur opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Lynda Bendris doubled Algeria’s advantage nine minutes later to seal a comfortable victory for the Fennecs.
The defeat ended Kenya’s campaign without a point. The Harambee Starlets, ranked 128th in the world, also exited at the group stage during their previous WAFCON appearance in 2016.
Morocco topped the group with seven points after scoring five goals and conceding none.
Algeria were second with six points, scoring four goals and conceding once. Senegal placed third with four points, while Kenya finished bottom of the group without a point, scoring no goals and conceding seven.
In the quarter-finals, Morocco will face the runners-up from Group B, while Algeria will take on the winners. Both matches are scheduled for Saturday.
Action continues on Tuesday in Group B with Tanzania taking on Côte d’Ivoire while South Africa confront Burkina Faso.
On Wednesday, Malawi will meet Zambia, while the Super Falcons of Nigeria take on Egypt in Group C