The hosts Morocco and the Copper Queens of Zambia have booked their tickets to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after crucial final-day victories in Group A action.

In front of a lively Rabat crowd, Morocco sealed top spot in the group with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Senegal. The decisive moment came in first-half stoppage time after a VAR review. Initially missed by the referee, Senegal’s goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye was adjudged to have struck Moroccan striker Ibtissam Jraidi in the face while carrying the ball. Referee Shamirah Nabadda, after consulting the monitor, awarded a penalty but opted for a yellow card instead of a red for Ndiaye. Yasmin Mrabet showed nerves of steel, slotting home her side’s third penalty of the group stage to ensure the Atlas Lionesses remained unbeaten with seven points.

Meanwhile, Zambia joined Morocco in the last eight with a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Mohammedia. Racheal Kundananji fired the Copper Queens ahead in the ninth minute, and despite the Leopardesses being reduced to 10 players after Falonne Pambani was sent off in the second half, Zambia held on to finish second in the group on goal difference.

Senegal, with three points, now face an anxious wait to see if they qualify as one of the two best third-placed teams. Morocco will next face one of the third-placed teams from Group B or C, while Zambia could be set for a heavyweight showdown with defending champions Nigeria—should the Super Falcons avoid defeat in their final group match against Algeria.