The thrilling penalty shootout ended the Moroccan women’s national team’s dream of reaching the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, after losing to Cameroon by a score of 3-1.
This came following a goalless draw between the two teams in the semifinal match held this evening at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, which extended through regular and extra time.
This unexpected elimination halted the journey of the “Atlas Lionesses” at the semifinal stage, despite the great hopes pinned on them to win the title on home soil.
The match began very cautiously from both sides, given the importance of the encounter and the high stakes represented by the ticket to the final.
The Moroccan players tried to impose their style and control the flow of play, with ongoing attempts to penetrate Cameroon’s organized defense.
Despite Moroccan possession and pressure, the final touch was missing in the attacks, ending both the first and second halves at a goalless draw, which led the match to extra time.
In the second half of extra time, the “Atlas Lionesses” almost secured their qualification after the referee awarded a penalty in the 118th minute following a foul on player Sakinah Ouzraoui.
Fatima Zahra Taknout took the penalty kick, but the Cameroonian goalkeeper brilliantly saved it, thus missing a golden opportunity to settle the match before heading to the penalty shootout, which often proves decisive and painful for the losing team.
After 120 minutes of fierce competition and a goalless draw, the two teams resorted to penalties, which ultimately favored the Cameroonian team with a score of 3-1, securing their place in the final.
With this result, Cameroon will face Malawi in the final, who themselves qualified by defeating Algeria three goals to one. Meanwhile, the Moroccan team left the tournament, leaving behind a great disappointment after a promising run.
