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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 51584, member: 636"] Morocco crushed Senegal's dreams with a dramatic late penalty that sent the home crowd wild at the packed Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Yasmin Mrabet kept her nerve during stoppage time to fire the Atlas Lionesses into the quarter-finals as Group A champions. The controversial spot kick came after VAR officials caught Senegal keeper Adji Ndiaye smashing her forearm into striker Ibtissam Jraidi's face. Referee Shamirah Nabadda missed the brutal contact but video replay clearly showed the goalkeeper's nasty strike. The penalty decision sparked fury from Senegal players who watched their tournament hopes crumble. Zambia joined Morocco in the last eight after Racheal Kundananji's early strike knocked out DR Congo in Mohammedia. The Copper Queens grabbed their crucial goal just nine minutes into the match before watching their opponents implode. DR Congo midfielder Falonne Pambani received his marching orders late in the second half for a reckless challenge on Ireen Lungu. The red card sealed the Leopardesses' fate as they crashed out of the competition. Zambia will battle the Group B winners while Morocco awaits either the second or third place finisher from Groups B and C. The heated encounter between Morocco and Senegal turned into a card-happy affair with seven yellow cards flying. Both teams had goals chalked off for offside as assistant referees kept their flags busy throughout the match. The atmosphere crackled with tension as fans packed every seat for the first sellout crowd of the tournament. [/QUOTE]

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