Hosts Morocco advanced to the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals with a 3-1 win over Mali in Rabat on Friday, but the match was a lot tighter than the two-goal advantage they enjoyed at the end.

Morocco did threaten a runaway win when they scored after only seven minutes as star striker Ibtissam Jraidi converted after a strong pass from the right from Sakina Ouzaroui.

Jraïdi was in for it already. 🇲🇦🤩#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/1hb3KSlQKx

— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 18, 2025

But the expected goal avalanche did not come as Mali turned the contest into a feisty affair as neither side was able to hold onto possession.

Mali had the ball in the Morocco net from a first-half freekick from Aissta Samaka but were pulled back for offside and there was always the chance they would get an equaliser before the outcome was effectively settled in the 79th minute.

Morocco won a penalty in the 79th minute, when Kani Konte brought down substitute Sanaa Mssoudy and Jraidi thrashed the spotkick into the net for Morocco’s second.

By the time Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karantao made a horror error for Morocco’s third goal on the stroke of halftime, the contest was effectively over.

Her slip allowed Kenza Capelle to claim a goal.

But the hosts were unable to keep a clean sheet as Mali got a last-gasp penalty of their own for a consolation goal.

A handball allowed Aissata Traore to net for her second goal of the tournament.

Comfortable win for the hostesses! ✅#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/fVM0MuA580

— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 18, 2025

Morocco now await the identity of their semifinal opponents, who will be either Algeria or Ghana, who meet in Berkane on Saturday.

Earlier on Friday, Nigeria had thumped Zambia 5-0 and they now meet either defending champions South Africa or Senegal.