WAFCON: Morocco edge past Mali to reach semifinals in tense Rabat clash

The Lionesses of Atlas looked set for a statement win early on when star striker Ibtissam Jraidi latched onto a pinpoint cross from Sakina Ouzraoui to put Morocco ahead in just the seventh minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

But what appeared to be the beginning of a rout quickly turned into a battle of wills. Mali refused to roll over, turning up the physicality and pressing high to disrupt Morocco's rhythm. The midfield turned scrappy, possession became elusive, and tempers flared as both sides dug in.

Mali briefly thought they had leveled the score after Aissata Samaka whipped in a dangerous freekick that found the net - but the celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.

As the match ticked into the final 15 minutes, Morocco finally found the breakthrough that shifted momentum back their way. Substitute Sanaa Mssoudy was brought down in the box by Kani Konte, and Jraidi stepped up to bury her second of the night with clinical precision from the spot.

Moments later, Moroccan fans were gifted a third - this time courtesy of a goalkeeping gaffe. Mali's Fatoumata Karantao mishandled what should have been a routine collection, allowing Kenza Chapelle to pounce and effectively seal the result on the brink of halftime.

Though Morocco couldn't keep the clean sheet - conceding a late penalty that Aissata Traore coolly slotted home for Mali's consolation - it was ultimately a deserved win for the hosts, who march on to the final four with growing confidence.

Awaiting them in the semifinals will be the winner of Saturday's clash between Algeria and Ghana in Berkane.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the tournament, Nigeria sent a message with a resounding 5-0 demolition of Zambia earlier on Friday. The Super Falcons now prepare for a heavyweight semifinal bout against either defending champions South Africa or tournament dark horses Senegal.

READ MORE: WAFCON: Dominant Nigeria crush Zambia to book place in last four