Yasmin Mrabet has converted two penalty kicks for Morocco during this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco secured the top spot in Group A at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) after a penalty from Yasmin Mrabet led the hosts to a 1-0 victory over Senegal. Zambia also clinched a win, guaranteeing their advancement to the quarter-finals.
In a contentious match held in Rabat, Morocco emerged victorious, with a crucial decision being influenced by VAR in the match’s later stages of the first half.
Initially, referee Shamirah Nabadda appeared to overlook a collision between Senegal’s goalkeeper, Adji Ndiaye, and Morocco’s striker, Ibtissam Jraidi. However, replays clearly indicated that Ndiaye struck her opponent’s face with her forearm while simultaneously holding the ball.
Following a considerable delay, Nabadda was instructed to review the incident on the monitor. Despite indications suggesting a potential red card review, Nabadda instead awarded a penalty and surprisingly issued Ndiaye only a yellow card.
Mrabet maintained composure and successfully converted the penalty in the second minute of added time, marking Morocco’s third penalty conversion of the group stage.
With this result, the Atlas Lionesses concluded Group A unbeaten, accumulating seven points and surpassing Zambia on goal difference after the Copper Queens defeated DR Congo 1-0 in their final match in Mohammedia.
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Racheal Kundananji’s early goal in the ninth minute proved sufficient to overcome the Leopardesses, who faced further adversity with midfielder Falonne Pambani’s dismissal in the 69th minute for a foul against Ireen Lungu.
Zambia is set to compete against the winner of Group B in the quarter-finals, potentially leading to a high-profile encounter with Nigeria, provided the record nine-time Wafcon champions avoid defeat against Algeria on Sunday (19:00 GMT).
Meanwhile, Morocco is scheduled to face the third-placed team from either Group B or Group C.
Senegal concluded Group A in third place with three points and must await the outcomes to determine if they will advance to the quarter-finals as one of the top two third-placed teams.
The atmosphere within the Olympic Stadium in Rabat was charged with anticipation prior to the kick-off between Morocco and Senegal, marking the first instance of a fully occupied stadium throughout the tournament.
The rhythmic beats of drums amplified the atmosphere, while large Moroccan flags fluttered in a steady breeze, contributing to cooler conditions as the sun set.
However, spectators anticipating an engaging contest between two teams that had demonstrated prolific goal-scoring abilities in their initial two group matches were met with disappointment due to a fragmented affair that frequently bordered on becoming acrimonious.
While the decision leading to Mrabet’s goal stood out as the evening’s most impactful intervention, the assistant referees’ flags also played a pivotal role.
Both teams managed to place the ball in the net during the 90 minutes, only to have the goals disallowed due to late offside flags. Jraidi and Senegal forward Nguenar Ndiaye also encountered the flag following promising opportunities they were unable to convert.
Although the majority of offside rulings were clear, VAR intervention was once again required in added time following Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak’s successful strike.
Referee Nabadda was actively involved in maintaining order during what evolved into a contentious affair, issuing a total of seven yellow cards.
Despite Senegal’s persistent efforts, the West Africans struggled to generate substantial clear-cut opportunities.
The hosts consistently appeared as the more skilled side, with Chebbak and Jraidi also missing notable chances that were deemed onside.
Securing the top spot in the group ensures Morocco remains in the capital for their quarter-final match on Friday, while Zambia will stay in Mohammedia for their encounter on the same day.
Should Senegal succeed in progressing, the Lionesses of Teranga will journey to Oujda to compete against the winner of Group C next Saturday.