Wafcon 2024: Morocco and Zambia Advance to Quarter-Finals

The Olympic Stadium in Rabat was buzzing with energy for the showdown between Morocco and Senegal, with every seat filled for the first time in the tournament. The air thrummed with the beat of drums and the sight of giant Moroccan flags fluttering in the cool evening breeze, setting a vibrant stage for what many expected to be an entertaining clash between two teams that had showcased their attacking prowess in earlier matches.

However, the much-anticipated goal-fest didn’t quite materialize. The match unfolded as a stop-start affair, frequently teetering on the edge of becoming ill-tempered.While the official’s decision to disallow a goal for Mrabet was a pivotal moment,the assistant referees’ flags also played a significant role throughout the 90 minutes.

Both Morocco and senegal found the back of the net, only for their celebrations to be cut short by late offside calls. Jraidi and Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye were also flagged for offside after creating promising chances, tho thay ultimately failed to convert.

The drama continued into added time when Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak appeared to score, requiring VAR intervention to confirm the offside decision. Referee nabadda had her work cut out,managing a physical game that saw a total of seven yellow cards issued,underscoring the competitive nature of the encounter.

Senegal, despite their efforts, struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities.Morocco, on the other hand, demonstrated superior footballing quality, with both Chebbak and Jraidi missing gilt-edged chances that woudl have stood had they not been marginally offside.

With this victory, Morocco secures their top spot in the group, meaning they will remain in the capital, Rabat, for their upcoming quarter-final match on Friday. Senegal, simultaneously occurring, will have to travel to Rabats’ neighbouring city Mohammedia for their own quarter-final.Should Senegal advance, they face a potential trip to Oujda to compete against the winner of Group C next Saturday.

How might Morocco’s possession-based strategy be disrupted by Zambia‘s speedy counter-attacks, notably focusing on Barbra Banda’s role?

WAFCON 2024: Morocco and Zambia Secure Quarter-Final Spots

Morocco’s Dominant Run Continues

Morocco’s remarkable performance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 continued as they confidently advanced to the quarter-finals. Their journey has been marked by tactical prowess and a strong attacking force.

Group Stage Performance: Morocco topped their group, showcasing a consistent ability to control matches and find the back of the net. Key victories included a decisive win against Nigeria, a significant upset that sent shockwaves through the tournament.

Key Players: The Moroccan squad boasts several standout players. Ghizlane Chebbak, the captain, has been instrumental in midfield, dictating play and providing crucial assists. Rosella Ayane’s goal-scoring ability has also been vital to their success.

Tactical Approach: Morocco’s coach, reynald Pedros, has implemented a flexible tactical system, adapting to opponents while maintaining a core focus on possession-based football. This adaptability has proven tough for teams to counter.

WAFCON 2024 Stats (Morocco): As of July 12,2025,Morocco has a goal difference of +7,demonstrating their attacking strength and defensive solidity.

Zambia’s Historic Qualification

Zambia’s progression to the quarter-finals marks a historic moment for the nation’s women’s football program. It’s the first time the Copper Queens have reached this stage of the competition, fueled by determination and team spirit.

Group Stage Resilience: Zambia secured their spot as one of the best third-placed teams, demonstrating resilience and fighting spirit throughout the group stage. A crucial draw against Senegal proved pivotal in their qualification.

Barbra Banda’s Impact: Captain Barbra Banda remains the focal point of Zambia’s attack. Her pace, power, and clinical finishing have been a constant threat to opposing defenses. Banda is a leading contender for the Golden boot award.

defensive Organization: While known for their attacking prowess, Zambia has also shown improved defensive organization, limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. The defensive line, led by Lushomo Mweemba, has been crucial in maintaining stability.

WAFCON 2024 Stats (Zambia): Zambia’s qualification hinged on a strong goal difference, showcasing their ability to compete with top teams in the tournament.

Quarter-Final Matchups & Potential Opponents

The quarter-final draw will determine the next challenges for both Morocco and Zambia. Potential opponents include strong contenders like South Africa, Nigeria, and Cameroon.

Morocco’s Potential Path: Depending on the draw, Morocco could face a tough test against South Africa or Nigeria, both of whom have a history of success in WAFCON.

Zambia’s Potential Path: Zambia’s quarter-final opponent could be Cameroon or a strong second-placed team from another group. Overcoming this challenge will require a focused and steadfast performance.

Key Quarter-Final Dates: The quarter-final matches are scheduled to take place between july 15th and July 18th, 2024. (Dates subject to change).

WAFCON 2024: Tournament Overview

The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Morocco, has been a showcase of talent and passion for women’s football. The tournament has seen increased media coverage and fan engagement, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport across the continent.

Host Nation Advantage: Morocco’s home advantage has undoubtedly played a role in their success, with eager crowds providing unwavering support.

Rising Stars: WAFCON 2024 has provided a platform for emerging talents to shine, attracting attention from international clubs and scouts.

Impact on Women’s Football in Africa: The tournament is expected to have a lasting impact on the growth of women’s football in Africa, inspiring a new generation of players and fans.

Qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup: WAFCON 2024 also serves as a qualifying tournament for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding extra meaning to each match. The top four teams automatically qualify for the World Cup.

Tactical Analysis: Morocco vs. Zambia

A potential semi-final clash between Morocco and Zambia woudl present a engaging tactical battle.

Morocco’s Possession Game: Morocco’s strength lies in their ability to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. They will likely aim to dictate play and create scoring opportunities through intricate passing movements.

Zambia’s Counter-Attacking Threat: Zambia excels in quick transitions and counter-attacks, utilizing Barbra Banda’s pace and power to exploit defensive vulnerabilities.

Midfield Battle: The midfield battle will be crucial, with both teams vying for control of the center of the park. Morocco’s Chebbak