Senegal Must Raise Level To Beat Morocco In Decisive WAFCON Clash

Cisse urges Senegal to improve ahead of crucial Morocco fixture

WAFCON 2026: Senegal eye upset against top-side in Rabat. Lionesses ready for must-win WAFCON test against hosts Morocco.

“We have been working on our weaknesses since those last two matches against Morocco...”

Senegal coach Mame Moussa Cisse has urged the Lionesses to raise their level and quality ahead of Monday’s decisive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations clash with Morocco in Rabat.

The Group A match is key to Senegal’s hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds. The Lionesses sit third in the group on three points.

Senegal will come up against a Moroccan team sitting top of Group A with maximum points and backed by home support.

To qualify, the Lionesses must beat the Atlas Lionesses and hope Kenya can get a result against Algeria in the other match.

Algeria are second in the group on three points and will take on a Kenya side yet to pick up a point in their final group game in Rabat.

Lionesses Gear Up For Decisive Morocco Clash

“Teams evolve, and circumstances are different. We faced this Moroccan team in 2022 and 2024, and I think we played two very good matches,” said Cisse ahead of the decisive game as quoted by Wiw Sport.

“They are two very good teams. Each had their chances in those last two encounters. The level of both teams is quite even now. We will have to play to our strengths and qualities.

“We have been working on our weaknesses since those last two matches against Morocco. We are ready to face this team and put on a good performance that could allow us to qualify.”

Cisse added: “We always approach matches with confidence, humility, and a desire to achieve a positive result.

“We found the mental, physical, and tactical resources to win the second match after the defeat in the first. We need to play our best, utilising our strengths and playing style, to secure a positive result and qualify.”

On the kind of atmosphere Senegal will anticipate, Cisse responded: “It’s always difficult to play the host country. The crowd will be there. But I think every player wants to play this kind of match.

“It will be a match in very good conditions. It won’t be too hot or too cold. The crowd might be hostile, that’s true. But we have to ignore all external factors.

“We’ll have to focus on our game, our strengths, and what we’ve put in place to play a perfect match. Beyond this particular context, both teams must show a positive image of Africa.

“Beyond the two countries, we need to put Africa in the spotlight. I think everyone involved needs to be at their best.”

Cisse added: “Everyone must play their part well for Africa to emerge victorious from this match. We will certainly have one of the most-watched matches of this AFCON.

“Everyone must understand their mission, because that’s what makes football grow, especially women’s football in Africa, which is making great strides.

“A few years ago, parents didn’t want to let their daughters play football, but that’s starting to change. We’re seeing some excellent competitions, and this 2026 AFCON must confirm all the good things we know about African football.

“It will be up to all the stakeholders to rise to the occasion. That’s my only wish for this match.”

Avec les 1/4 de finale dans le viseur, Elodie Nakkach et le Maroc affrontent le Sénégal pour leur dernière rencontre du groupe A 🇸🇳🇲🇦⚔️#NotreVilleNotreInternationale pic.twitter.com/4fhu90YFPl

— Servette FCCF (@ServetteFCCF) August 3, 2026

Senegal thrive in big challenges

With a place at the FIFA World Cup on the line, Cisse said Senegal are relishing the chance to take on Morocco in the group stage.

“It’s a very exciting match. The players are very excited about it, as am I, as the coach,” added Cisse.

“We love experiencing these kinds of adventures. That’s why we do this job. We’re playing against the host country, that’s true, but we’ll have the opportunity to do so in front of a packed stadium.

“There’s nothing more exciting. It’s a unique situation, and we're going to focus on that. We’ll make the necessary adjustments and changes.

“The whole team needs to be mobilised to give whatever it takes to get a good result. Regardless of who starts or not, the most important thing is to be ready to achieve a positive outcome.”

Cisse concluded: “I’m not someone who dwells on regrets. I'm demanding of myself. I’m a very positive person, someone who always remains hopeful.

“The only important match now is the one against Morocco. We have to give ourselves the means to get a good result.

“We can’t dwell on the first two matches. We’re facing a difficult game. We’ll have to raise our standards to hope for a good result.”

As well as crowning the African champions, WAFCON 2026 will also decide which teams qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.