The Atlas Lions Gear Up for a Crucial Match Against South Africa

This Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 21:00, the Atlas Lions will once again face off against South Africa in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026. Taking place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, this match carries a sense of revenge for the Moroccan team, who are looking to overturn their previous defeat in the final against the Banyana Banyana four years ago. In addition to aiming for a spot in the semifinals, Jorge Vilda's squad is also vying for qualification for the Women's World Cup scheduled in Brazil in 2027.

Having topped Group A with confidence, the Moroccan players are eager to advance further in the tournament. Their journey began with an impressive 4-0 victory over Kenya, followed by a narrow 1-0 win against Algeria, and a goalless draw against Senegal. With a total of 7 points, the team, led by captain Ghizlane Chebbak, has established itself as a formidable contender and is now focused on securing a place among the four best teams on the continent.

A Challenging Path for South Africa

On the other hand, the Banyana Banyana have faced a more challenging path to the quarterfinals. South Africa opened their tournament campaign with a surprising 2-1 defeat to Tanzania, followed by a thrilling 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast. They eventually secured their place in the knockout stage by defeating Burkina Faso 1-0, finishing second in their group. This encounter offers the Atlas Lions a chance to seek revenge and continue their journey in this home-hosted AFCON, as they meet South Africa once again, four years after their heartbreaking 2-1 loss in the 2022 AFCON final held in Rabat.

If the Moroccan team successfully qualifies for the semifinals, it will mark their third consecutive appearance at this stage, following their participation in 2022 and 2024. Moreover, reaching the semifinals would grant the Atlas Lions an automatic qualification spot for the Women’s World Cup in 2027, further solidifying their status in African women's football.

Fans can catch the Morocco-South Africa match live from 21:00 on Arryadia, the third channel of the SNRT group. The game will also be available through beIN Sports, the British Channel 4, DAZN in Europe, Ziggo, and CANAL+ in Francophone Africa, among others.

As reported by es.le360.ma.