The Senegalese women’s national team, known as the Lionesses of the Téranga, saw their hopes of advancing past the group stage in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations come to an abrupt end following a goalless draw against Morocco on Monday evening at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The match, which concluded the group stage fixtures for Group A, marked a turning point for Senegal as they finished third in the standings. Despite their earlier victory over Kenya (1-0) and a strong start to the tournament, the team could not secure the necessary three points to progress further. Morocco, the host nation, maintained their unbeaten record with two wins (4-0 against Kenya and 1-0 against Algeria) and advanced as group leaders, setting the stage for a quarter-final clash with another top-seeded team.
An evening of missed opportunities
The encounter between Senegal and Morocco began with high stakes for both sides. While the Lionesses needed a win to secure their place in the knockout rounds, Morocco aimed to preserve their flawless record and top position in the group. However, neither team managed to break the deadlock, as defensive solidity and tactical discipline stifled attacking opportunities on both sides.
Senegal, under the guidance of head coach Mame Moussa Cissé, had begun their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Algeria but rallied with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kenya. Despite the late surge in form, the draw against Morocco proved insufficient to climb above Algeria in the standings, ultimately sealing their fate in the group stage.
Morocco’s dominant run continues
The Atlas Lionesses, as Morocco’s women’s team is affectionately known, delivered a masterclass in defensive organization and tactical awareness. Their 1-0 victory over Algeria in the opening game set the tone, followed by a commanding 4-0 demolition of Kenya, which reinforced their dominance in Group A. The goalless draw against Senegal, while not a win, did little to dent their confidence as they head into the quarter-finals with momentum on their side.
The Moroccan team’s performance has been a revelation in the 2026 edition, showcasing a blend of physicality, technical skill, and tactical intelligence that has caught many by surprise. With the tournament being hosted on home soil, the pressure on the team has only served to fuel their determination to make a deep run in the competition.
Senegal’s campaign falls short of expectations
For Senegal, the campaign has been a rollercoaster of emotions. After a disappointing start with a heavy loss to Algeria, the team showed resilience by bouncing back with a narrow victory over Kenya. However, the final match against Morocco exposed their attacking limitations, as they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Moroccan defense.
The elimination at the group stage marks a setback for Senegal, who had set their sights on surpassing their quarter-final finishes in the 2022 and 2024 editions. The Lionesses of the Téranga will now have to regroup and address their shortcomings before their next major tournament, with a focus on strengthening their squad and tactical approach.