Hosts, Banyana renew 2022 final rivalry

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Morocco face South Africa in Saturday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal in Rabat, with the winner not only reaching the semifinals but also sealing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

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Head coach Jorge Vilda said his side are fully prepared for the tournament’s biggest test so far, insisting confidence remains high despite a goalless draw with Senegal in their final group match.

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“We have a great desire to win and a lot of confidence,” Vilda said at Friday’s pre-match press conference. “We want Morocco to qualify directly for the World Cup for the second time in its history, and we hope to achieve that tomorrow.”

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The Spaniard dismissed concerns over his side’s attacking efficiency after the Atlas Lionesses created more than 20 chances without scoring against Senegal, and pointed instead to a defence that has yet to concede in the tournament, a record he credited to collective effort rather than goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi alone.

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Vilda described South Africa as well-organised and dangerous on the counter, but said fine margins would decide the contest. “I think it will be a balanced match decided by details, and I hope those details go in our favour,” he said, adding that Moroccan supporters would be crucial to the outcome. “We need the fans in this match. We need all Moroccans behind the team, whether they are in the stadium or watching on television.”

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South Africa reached the last eight by beating Burkina Faso 1-0 at the Moulay Rachid Stadium, Thembi Kgatlana converting from close range in the 21st minute after Linda Motlhalo and Fikile Magama combined down the right. Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart was called into action throughout, denying Adama Congo early on before Desiree Ellis introduced Gabriela Salgado and Ronnel Donnelly from the bench to see out the win.

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Saturday’s meeting revives a rivalry dating back to the 2022 final, when Banyana Banyana defeated the North Africans to lift the trophy, and Vilda said his squad now face South Africa without fear after that experience.

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