Wafcon 2024: Morocco cruise past Mali 3-1 to reach semi-finals

Morocco had to rely on a controversial penalty to see off Senegal in their final group game – a result which helped them top Group A – but coach Jorge Vilda stuck to his guns, naming the same starting 11 for a fourth successive match.

Despite the hosts heading into the game as heavy favourites, it was Mali forward Agueissa Diarra who had the opening chance, sending a header off target in the third minute.

Shortly afterwards, Ouzraoui saw her left-footed effort saved following an excellent first touch to control the ball.

Jraidi was then in the right place at the right time to settle nerves inside the Olympic Stadium, sending winger Ouzraoui’s enticing delivery into an empty net, although she had to endure a short VAR check before being able to fully celebrate her opener.

A block by defender Couluba Sogore prevented Jraidi from doubling the lead, while the impressive Ouzraoui also sent two efforts off target.

And Mali, who struggled in the first half, could have made their opponents pay for their profligacy before the break.

Aicha Samake found the back of the net from a long-range free-kick, only to see it ruled out for offside, much to the frustration of the West Africans.

The Female Eagles served up a more spirited performance in the second half and saw Fatoumata Diarra’s half-volley well saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi

But Jraidi finally put the tie to bed with 11 minutes remaining, making it 2-0 after South African referee Akhona Makalima awarded the Atlas Lionesses their fourth penalty of the tournament, having also scored from the spot in each of their three group games.

Second-half substitute Chapelle grabbed Morocco’s third before Traore scored her second goal of the tournament with 97 minutes on the clock, with the penalty awarded for handball against Morocco skipper Ghizlane Chebbak.

The scoreline means Mali miss out on the chance to improve on their best ever Wafcon result, having finished fourth in 2018.

The hosts’ campaign to avenge their defeat to South Africa in the 2022 final remains on course for now.