Tournament hosts Morocco booked their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a commanding 3-1 victory over Mali on Friday night at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

Led by Spanish coach Jorge Vilda, the Atlas Lionesses wasted no time asserting themselves in front of their home fans. Just seven minutes into the game, Morocco found the breakthrough when Sakina Ouzraoui’s delightful cross was calmly controlled and finished by Ibtissam Jraidi to give the hosts an early lead.

With a 1-0 advantage at halftime, Morocco kept their foot on the gas pedal after the restart. Their pressure paid off in the 77th minute when Kani Konte brought down Sanaa Mssoudy inside the box, earning Morocco a penalty. Jraidi made no mistake from the spot, bagging her brace and doubling the lead.

As Mali struggled to cope with Morocco’s attacking waves, Kenza Chapelle sealed the win in the 89th minute, making it 3-0 with a clinical strike shortly after coming off the bench.

Mali pushed for a response and were rewarded with a late consolation goal. Aissata Traore converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 97th minute, but it was too little too late as Morocco held on for a comfortable 3-1 victory.

With the win, Morocco advance to the semi-finals where they will face the winner of the Algeria vs Ghana quarter-final clash. The defeat spells the end of the road for Mali’s Female Eagles.

Full-time:
Morocco 3-1 Mali
Scorers: Jraidi (7’, 79’), Chapelle (89’) | Traore A. (90+7’, pen.)