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Hosts Morocco secured top spot in Group A at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 0-0 draw with Senegal on Monday, despite twice failing to convert the same penalty.
Morocco finished the group stage with seven points after earlier wins over Kenya and Algeria, booking their place in the quarter-finals.
Algeria also advanced after beating Kenya 2-0 in their final group match, with goals from Marine Dafeur and Lynda Bendris. The result saw Algeria finish second with six points.
Senegal ended the group stage with four points, while Kenya finished without a point and both teams were eliminated.
Morocco will face the Group B runners-up in the quarter-finals, while Algeria will meet the Group B winners. Their opponents will be confirmed on Tuesday after the final Group B matches.
Ivory Coast currently lead Group B with four points, followed by Burkina Faso and Tanzania on three points each, while South Africa have one point. All four teams remain in contention for the last eight.
Morocco had beaten Senegal 1-0 in both the 2022 and 2024 editions, with penalties deciding each match.
The hosts had a chance to repeat those victories after Sakina Ouzraoui was fouled by Marieme Babou in the second half, but Yasmin Mrabet failed to convert from the spot.
Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye saved Mrabet’s first attempt, but the referee ordered a retake after ruling that the goalkeeper had moved off her line too early. Mrabet again sent the ball to the goalkeeper’s left, only for Ndiaye to make another impressive save.
Senegal came closest to scoring from open play shortly before half-time when Ndeye Diakhate struck the crossbar with a volley.
Algeria, meanwhile, dominated their match against Kenya and took a two-goal lead before half-time.
Dafeur opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a long-range free-kick before Bendris doubled the advantage nine minutes later by dispossessing a Kenyan defender and lifting the ball over goalkeeper Lilian Awuor.
The four semi-finalists will not only compete for the record $2 million WAFCON first prize but will also secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
