Morocco, Senegal Set for Crucial WAFCON Quarter-Final Decider

Hosts Morocco seek unbeaten group finish as Senegal chase vital victory to keep quarter-final qualification hopes alive.

Tournament hosts Morocco will face Senegal in a decisive Group A encounter on Monday as both sides battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Atlas Lionesses head into the match in strong form, having won both of their opening group fixtures to sit comfortably at the top of the standings with six points.

Morocco began their campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Kenya before edging Algeria 1-0 in their second outing thanks to a late goal from Sanaa Mssoudy.

The back-to-back victories have left Jorge Vilda’s side needing only a draw against Senegal to secure qualification for the knockout stage and finish as Group A winners.

The North Africans have also extended their impressive unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions, winning each of their last four games.

Their recent consistency has strengthened their status as one of the favourites to challenge for the continental title on home soil.

Senegal, meanwhile, remain firmly in contention for a place in the last eight despite an inconsistent start to the tournament.

The Teranga Lionesses recovered from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Algeria in their opening match by defeating Kenya 1-0 in their second fixture.

Seynabou Mbengue scored the only goal of the match midway through the first half to hand Senegal their first victory of the competition and keep their qualification hopes alive.

The West Africans currently occupy third place in Group A on goal difference and know that victory over Morocco would significantly improve their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

However, Senegal have struggled for consistency in recent months, recording just two victories in their last eight matches across all competitions while suffering four defeats in their previous six outings.

Morocco also hold the psychological advantage after defeating Senegal 1-0 during the group stage of the previous Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

With qualification at stake for both teams, another closely contested encounter is expected.

While Morocco will aim to maintain their perfect record and continue their unbeaten run, Senegal must produce one of their best performances of the tournament to keep their knockout-stage dream alive.