Following their victories in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) quarterfinals on Wednesday, Morocco and Zambia both earned their first-ever spots in the Women’s World Cup.
In addition to being the first nation in North Africa to host a Wafcon, Morocco became the first nation in the region to reach the Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Botswana.
Earlier, when extra time in Casablanca ended at a score of 1-1, goalkeeper Hazel Nali saved the day for Zambia in their victory over Senegal on penalties.
When both sides compete in repechage matches this weekend to determine which two teams from Africa will compete in an intercontinental play-off next year, Botswana and Senegal will have one more opportunity to join their conquerors in the competition.
Morocco defeated a spirited Botswana team in the capital city of Rabat for their fourth victory in as many games, once more impressing with their fluid play.
Livewire Sanaa Mssoudy scored the game’s first goal after three minutes by deftly flicking Fatima Tagnaout’s free-kick into the goal, but Botswana quickly answered with a goal from Keitumetse Dithebe after just four minutes.
Yasmin Mrabet headed in an unstoppable Tagnaout cross just before the hour for a goal that was met with pyrotechnics in the crowded seats.
Reaching the Women’s World Cup has been a stated goal for Morocco, who have made significant investments in women’s football in recent years.
Zambia has made it to the Women’s World Cup for the first time, something they first attempted in the mid-1990s, a year after making their Olympic debut.
Given the absence of top scorer Barbra Banda, who skipped the competition due to “gender eligibility” concerns, their qualification is all the more impressive.
After stopping Ndiaye Diakhate’s penalty kick just a few seconds earlier, Nali stepped up to seal the shootout 4-2 and advance Zambia to their first Wafcon semi-final.
