WAFCON QF1: Morocco vs South Africa – Prediction & Betting Tips

Match Preview 

After a group stage packed with surprise results, the eight teams still standing are Morocco, Algeria, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Malawi, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana. The first quarter final match starts on 8 August (Saturday) with two powerhouse teams, Morocco and South Africa, who are no strangers when it comes to fighting in WAFCON tournaments.  

The winning team will not only go through to the semi-finals but will secure themselves a FIFA 2027 Women’s World Cup qualification, so it’s safe to say there’s much on the line. Morocco have started their WAFCON 2026 campaigns off almost perfectly, securing a win against Kenya and Algeria, and a draw against Senegal. They lead their group stage with 7 points, and the confidence is sky high. 

South Africa, on the other hand, aren’t in as comfortable a position. Banyana Banyana suffered a surprise defeat against Tanzania, followed by a draw against the Ivory Coast and a win against Burkina Faso. Their tournament thus far has been a rollercoaster, so they will be looking to solidify their strategies and make some moves against their past opponents. 

Morocco have looked like the stronger side throughout the tournament, but South Africa’s women still possess plenty of knockout experience and will make this a hard fight for the WAFCON hosts. 

Head-to-Head 

The defining match of the past between South Africa and Morocco game in the 2022 WAFCON finals, when Banyana Banyana managed to take home the title for the first time. This knowledge might bring some much-needed life into South Africa’s women’s team, but Morocco’s current form can’t be ignored. This fight is going to be close.  

Key Betting Tips 

• Double Chance: Morocco or Draw 

• Over 2.5 Goals 

• Both Teams to Score – Yes 

• Correct Score Prediction: Morocco 2–1 South Africa 

Best Bet 

Double Chance: Morocco or Draw 

South Africa’s win over Burkina Faso showed that they can manage a tight match, but their performances throughout Group B have lacked consistency. Morocco have been much more reliable, collecting seven points, and have the advantage of playing with strong home support behind them. This match could still go either way, but Morocco is looking slightly more ahead.  

Prediction 

South Africa know how to make life uncomfortable for Morocco and will take confidence from their victory in the 2022 final. However, this Banyana Banyana side has not yet produced the same level of performance during the current tournament. Expect Morocco to create more opportunities for goals, but South Africa to put up a good fight. Who do you think will win between these two powerhouses? Lock in your picks at Bet.co.za. 

Prediction: Morocco 2–1 South Africa