Banyana's 2027 World Cup hopes suffer after WAFCON defeat to Morocco

The hosts took control before the interval, with Sakina Ouzraoui breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute. Hanane Ait El Haj delivered a deep cross into the area, and Ouzraoui met it with a volley that sailed over South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.

Morocco could have extended their advantage before the break when Ghizlane Chebbak spotted Swart off her line. However, her attempt flew over the crossbar, leaving Morocco with a 1-0 lead at half-time.

El Haj eventually doubled the advantage shortly after the restart from the penalty spot. South Africa defender Noxolo Cesane was penalised for bringing down Chebbak, allowing El Haj to confidently place the spot-kick into the corner.

The reigning African champions responded through Thembi Kgatlana with 23 minutes remaining. Karabo Dhlamini's pass released Kgatlana beyond the offside line, and she kept her composure to fire a low finish into the net.

South Africa then enjoyed plenty of possession but failed to create another goal, as Morocco held on to avoid extra-time. The result also offered Morocco a measure of retribution for their 2-1 loss to South Africa in the 2022 WAFCON final.

Morocco, who first appeared at the Women's World Cup in 2023, have now secured another appearance on the global stage, with the 2027 tournament set to be held in Brazil.

South Africa's defeat means they must pursue qualification through the inter-confederation play-offs. They will face the loser of Sunday's Cameroon-Nigeria quarter-final on Thursday, with three World Cup berths available through the play-offs.

Morocco will meet the winner of Cameroon and Nigeria in the WAFCON semi-finals. The eventual winner of that quarter-final defeated Morocco in the 2024 WAFCON final. 

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