The Lionesses of the Teranga faced a bitter setback in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, as their final group-stage clash against Morocco ended in a goalless draw at Rabat’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium. The result sealed their fate, eliminating Senegal from the tournament at the group stage for the second consecutive edition.
Morocco seals top spot with flawless campaign
With qualification for the quarter-finals already secured, the Atlas Lionesses entered the match determined to maintain their unbeaten record and top their group. Their strategy paid off: a dominant 4-0 victory over Kenya followed by a narrow 1-0 win against Algeria ensured they finished the group stage with maximum points and a perfect defensive record.
Senegal falls short in quest for quarter-final spot
The Senegalese team, managed by coach Mame Moussa Cissé, had to win to stand any chance of advancing. After a tough opening defeat to Algeria (0-2), they managed a crucial 1-0 win against Kenya, but it wasn’t enough to secure a top-two finish. The 0-0 draw against Morocco dashed their hopes, leaving them rooted to the bottom of Group A.
Mixed results highlight Senegal’s uneven campaign
Senegal’s performance in this tournament was inconsistent. A strong opening loss to Algeria was followed by a narrow victory over Kenya, but the failure to capitalize in the final match exposed their vulnerabilities. Despite ambitions to surpass their quarter-final finishes in 2022 and 2024, the Lionesses exited early, marking a clear step backward in their development.
What’s next for Senegal’s women’s football?
The early exit raises questions about the future direction of the Senegalese women’s national team. As they reflect on missed opportunities, the focus will shift to rebuilding and regrouping ahead of future competitions. Meanwhile, Morocco’s flawless run sets the tone for a strong home campaign as they prepare to face tougher challenges in the knockout stages.
