Morocco defeats Mali to advance to the semifinals alongside Nigeria

At the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Friday night, Morocco defeated Mali 3-1 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal.

The Atlas Lionesses consequently advanced to the semi-finals alongside Nigeria, and the North African team will play either Algeria or Ghana on Tuesday. Conversely, the Female Eagles were eliminated from the competition.

The game was fast-paced, with both sides attacking each other from the very first minute. The Atlas Lionesses broke the tie after the Female Eagles’ defense was broken in just seven minutes.

Morocco was ahead 1-0 at the half as the tournament hosts quickly attacked down the right wing and Sakina Ouzraoui crossed the ball for Ibtissam Jraidi, who controlled the ball before scoring.

After the break, the Atlas Lionesses kept up their pressure on the Female Eagles’ defense, and in the 77th minute, Kani Konte fouled Sanaa Mssoudy, earning the former a penalty.

Then, Jraidi took over and scored the resulting penalty to give Morocco a 2-0 lead. Kenza Chapelle scored in the 89th minute to give Morocco a 3-0 lead as Jorge Vilda’s troops looked for additional goals.

Aissata Traore’s penalty kick in stoppage time gave Mali a late consolation goal, but Morocco held on to win 3-1 that evening. Mali had mounted late efforts.

Morocco (1) 3 (Chappele 89′, Jraidi 7′, and 79′)

(0) 0 1 Mali (Traore A 90’+7)

Morocco: Mrabet (Mssoudy 46′), Badri (Nakkach 46′), Errmichi, Ait El Haj, Benzina, Rabbah, Redouani, Chebbak, Tagnaout (Saoud 70′), Jraidi (Chapelle 84′), and Ouzraoui (El Ghazouani 90’+1).

Mali: Diarra F, Diabate (Diarra S 85′), Karentao, Dembele, Konte, Sogore (Traore M 82′), Samake, Traore S, Niakate, Diarra A (Baradji 89′), Traore A