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(VIDEO) Morocco Advance as Group Winners Despite Adji Ndiaye's Heroics
Morocco secured first place in Group A at the 2026 WAFCON, but the star of the night was Adji Ndiaye, who saved two consecutive penalties to earn Senegal a hard-fought goalless draw.
Morocco achieved its objective of finishing atop Group A at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), although the hosts were unable to complete the group stage with another victory. Jorge Vilda's side played to a 0-0 draw against Senegal in a match highlighted by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye, who stole the spotlight by saving two consecutive penalties to keep her team in the contest until the final whistle.
The draw moved Morocco to seven points, enough to secure first place in the group, while Algeria claimed the second qualification spot after defeating Kenya. Senegal finished the group stage with four points after producing one of its strongest defensive displays of the tournament.
Morocco Controlled the Match but Could Not Find the Breakthrough
From the opening whistle, Morocco dominated possession and dictated the tempo against a disciplined Senegal side committed to defensive organization. Ghizlane Chebbak, Sakina Ouzraoui, and Elodie Nakkach led the hosts' attacking efforts, but they repeatedly found themselves denied by a well-structured back line that limited clear scoring opportunities.
Although qualification had already been secured before kickoff, the Atlas Lionesses were determined to complete a perfect group stage after victories over Kenya and Algeria. Instead, Senegal's disciplined approach frustrated the home side throughout the first half, keeping the score level at the break.
Adji Ndiaye Steals the Show
The defining moment arrived in the 69th minute when Morocco was awarded a penalty that appeared set to break the deadlock. Yasmin Mrabet stepped up from the spot, but Adji Ndiaye guessed correctly and produced an excellent save.
The drama was not over. After the referee ordered the penalty to be retaken, Mrabet once again took responsibility, only for Ndiaye to deny her a second time with another brilliant stop, completing a remarkable double save that proved to be the turning point of the match.
In the closing stages, Jorge Vilda introduced Fatima Tagnaout and Najat Badri in search of a late winner, while Mame Moussa Cissé reinforced Senegal's defensive setup to preserve the valuable draw.
Although Morocco fell short of delivering a victory in front of its home supporters, the team completed the group stage unbeaten with two wins, one draw, and three consecutive clean sheets, strengthening its credentials as one of the favorites to win the tournament. Meanwhile, Senegal exited the group stage with its head held high, led by the unforgettable performance of Adji Ndiaye, whose double penalty save will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the 2026 WAFCON.
