Morocco and Zambia both seal 1-0 wins to secure passage to the quarter-finals at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco finished top of Group A at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) after Yasmin Mrabet's penalty was enough to earn the hosts a 1-0 victory over Senegal, while Zambia also won to secure their passage to the quarter-finals.
Morocco emerged triumphant from a scrappy encounter in Rabat which rested on a controversial decision made with the help of VAR late in the first half.
Referee Shamirah Nabadda initially appeared to miss a coming together between Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye and Morocco striker Ibtissam Jraidi, but replays clearly showed Ndiaye strike her opponent in the face with one forearm while carrying the ball with the other.
After a lengthy delay, Nabadda was advised to go to the monitor by video assistant referee Maria Rivet, and although screens in the media tribune said it was to check a possible red card, Ugandan Nabadda pointed to the spot instead and issued the fortunate Ndiaye with only a yellow.
Mrabet kept her cool to send the keeper the wrong way in the second minute of stoppage time, converting Morocco's third penalty of the group stage.
The result means the Atlas Lionesses finish Group A unbeaten with seven points, ahead of Zambia on goal difference after the Copper Queens beat DR Congo 1-0 in their final fixture in Mohammedia.
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Racheal Kundananji's ninth-minute goal was enough to see off the Leopardesses, who had midfielder Falonne Pambani sent off in the 69th minute for a foul on Ireen Lungu.
Zambia face the winners of Group B in the last eight, which will provide a blockbuster clash against Nigeria if the record nine-time Wafcon winners avoid defeat against Algeria on Sunday (19:00 GMT).
Morocco, meanwhile, will take on the third-placed finisher in Group B or Group C.
Senegal ended third in Group A with three points and must wait to see if they progress to the quarter-finals as one of the two best-ranked third-place sides.
Category: General Sports
