Hosts Morocco thrilled a vibrant crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat with a commanding 3-1 win over Mali to advance to the semi-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Atlas Lionesses made a dream start to the quarter-final clash, striking in just the 7th minute.
Ibtissam Jraïdi calmly slotted home into the bottom corner after a clever setup by Sakina Ouzraoui Diki, giving the home side early control.
Morocco dictated the tempo for much of the first half, dominating possession and carving out clearer chances.
Mali, however, were not without threat, testing the Moroccan defence through Aïssata Traoré and Fatoumata Diarra, but goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi held her ground to preserve the lead at halftime.
The second half saw Morocco continue their positive play.
In the 77th minute, substitute Sanaâ Mssoudy was brought down in the box, resulting in a penalty. Jraïdi stepped up once again and coolly converted to double both her and Morocco’s tally.
With Mali pushing forward in desperation, they were punished again late on.
In the 89th minute, Kenza Chapelle unleashed a powerful low drive from outside the area, assisted by Imane Saoud, to make it 3-0 and all but seal the victory.
Mali grabbed a late consolation deep into stoppage time when Traoré converted from the spot after Ghizlane Chebbak was penalized for handball, but it was too little, too late.
Reynald Pedros’ side continues to impress on home soil, and with this win, Morocco move one step closer to a maiden WAFCON title—carrying the hopes of a nation into the semi-finals.