Senegal’s women’s team knocked out of CAN 2026 after stalemate with Morocco
The final match of Group A concluded with a goalless draw, ending the Lionesses of Teranga’s campaign prematurely.
Morocco secures top spot, Senegal’s hopes dashed
The clash at Rabat’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium ended 0-0, sealing the fate of Senegal’s women’s national team in the group stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. While Morocco had already secured their quarterfinal berth and top group position, Senegal needed a victory to progress. The draw proved insufficient, marking another disappointment for a team that had set higher objectives after reaching the quarterfinals in previous editions.
A balanced encounter with high stakes
Both teams entered the match with contrasting objectives. Morocco, the tournament hosts, aimed to maintain their unbeaten record and top the group. Senegal, under coach Mame Moussa Cissé, required a win to advance, having started their campaign with a 0-2 loss to Algeria followed by a narrow 1-0 victory over Kenya. The stalemate left them with just one point from three matches, confirming their early exit.
The deadlock reflected a tightly contested game where neither side managed to break through. Morocco’s earlier wins against Kenya (4-0) and Algeria (1-0) ensured they finished the group stage undefeated and as group winners. For Senegal, the result underscored a tournament performance far below expectations, leaving their campaign in tatters.
What’s next for Senegal’s women’s football?
The elimination represents a setback for Senegalese women’s football, which had shown promise in recent years by reaching the quarterfinals in the 2022 and 2024 editions. The team’s early departure from this tournament raises questions about their preparation and future strategies. As Morocco advances with momentum, Senegal will need to regroup and address the gaps that prevented them from progressing further.
