Morocco, the Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) hosts, delighted a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat as they claimed a confident 3-1 victory over Mali on Friday night to book their place in the semifinals.
Ibtissam Jraïdi shot the Atlas Lionesses to the lead in the seventh minute after being teed up by Sakina Ouzraoui Diki. The early goal settled Morocco, who enjoyed more of the ball and created clearer chances throughout the first half.
Mali responded with efforts from Aïssata Traoré and Fatoumata Diarra, but goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi stood firm to preserve Morocco’s lead going into the break.
The hosts maintained their attacking intent in the second half, and Jraïdi converted a penalty after substitute Sanaâ Mssoudy was brought down in the box.
With Mali pressing forward in search of a way back, the West Africans were caught out again in the 89th minute, as Kenza Chapelle struck a superb low drive to make it 3-0.
Mali, however, pulled one back in stoppage time, after Ghizlane Chebbak was penalised for a handball, with Traoré converting the penalty.
Meanwhile, Nigeria demolished Zambia 5-0 to storm to the last four. The Super Falcons, unbeaten and unbreached in the tournament so far, maintained their defensive record while producing their most clinical attacking display yet at Stade Larbi Zaouli.
Centre-back Osinachi Ohale rose highest to head home Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint free-kick delivery, setting the tone for a night to forget for Zambia.
The nine-time champions doubled their lead when Okoronkwo finished off a flowing move with a composed strike. Zambia, who had shown grit and flair in the group stages, looked shell-shocked.
Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3-0 before the break. Oluwatosin Demehin scored the fourth and substitute Folashade Ijamilusi the fifth.
Nigeria maintain their push for a record-extending 10th Wafcon, and now await their semifinal opponents with growing confidence. — cafonline.
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