The journey of Morocco in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations came to an end in the semifinals. The Atlas Lionesses were eliminated on Wednesday evening by Cameroon at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, after a penalty shootout won 3-1 by the Cameroonians. The two teams were unable to break the deadlock at the end of regular time and extra time (0-0).
In a match that was uncertain for a long time, the Moroccan team tried to impose their game but faced a well-organized Cameroonian defense and a decisive Michaely Bihina in goal. Despite several promising situations, the national team failed to capitalize on their dominance.
Morocco had a huge opportunity to secure qualification in the final minutes of extra time. A penalty was awarded to the Atlas Lionesses, but Fatima Tagnaout’s attempt did not find the back of the net, leaving Cameroon alive before the decisive shootout.
More effective in this exercise, the Indomitable Lionesses ultimately won 3-1 and will face Malawi in the final. For Morocco, a finalist in the last two editions, this elimination ends the dream of a third consecutive qualification for the continental final. A cruel outcome for Jorge Vilda’s players, who lacked realism in decisive moments.
