Morocco’s Jraidi Scores Brace As Hosts Reach WAFCON Semifinals
2 min read
By Sportsgister
The host nation, Morocco, has successfully navigated a challenging test against Mali, securing a 3-1 victory in their quarterfinal match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat.
The win propels the Atlas Lionesses into the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Algeria-Ghana quarterfinal match.
Morocco’s Ibtissam Jraidi scored the opening goal inside the first ten minutes, giving the hosts a lead they would not relinquish.
The Malian team showed fight and determination, but lacked quality in the final third to create significant scoring opportunities.
An apparent equalizer from a set piece in the 37th minute was cancelled out due to offside, a disappointing end to a strong finish to the half from the Malian team.
The hosts showcased their quality in the second half, with Jraidi completing her brace in the 79th minute with a perfect penalty kick after Sanaâ Mssoudy was fouled in the Malian penalty area. Substitute Mssoudy’s strong run down the right flank and subsequent foul led to the penalty kick, which Jraidi confidently converted.
A late goalkeeping error by Malian goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao gifted Morocco their third goal, as Kenza Chappelle’s cross was mishandled, allowing the ball to roll into the net.
Mali continued to show fight and were rewarded with a consolation goal in the final moments when Aissata Traoré scored a penalty kick after a foul was committed in the Moroccan penalty area.
Morocco will now await the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal match between Algeria and Ghana, which will take place on July 22 in Rabat.
The Atlas Lionesses will look to build on their momentum and make a strong bid for the championship.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
