African Countries Called upon to Follow Morocco’s Example by Further Investing in Sport (South African Analyst)

Morocco women’s national football team head coach Jorge Vilda said his players will approach the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Sunday, with total determination and a clear desire to live up to the expectations of Moroccan fans.

“Our Lionesses will give everything on the pitch. They will fight until the very end with commitment and determination. No one will be able to question their dedication. We will do everything possible to make Moroccans proud of their national team,” he told MAP on the eve of the tournament, which runs through August 16 in Rabat and Casablanca.

The Spanish coach said this edition of the Women’s AFCON carries added significance as it also serves as a pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be held in Brazil next summer.

The objective is to reach the semifinals to secure direct qualification for the World Cup. “After that, we’ll see how far we can go,” he said, while stressing the importance of staying focused on Morocco’s opening match against Kenya and taking the tournament “step by step.”

After three seasons in charge of the Atlas Lionesses, Vilda believes the national team has reached a new level. More than 100 players have been assessed during FIFA international windows and training camps before narrowing the squad down to 26 internationals.

According to Vilda, this process has gradually expanded Morocco’s talent pool while increasing competition for places within the team.

The former Spain coach said his work has focused on strengthening the team’s defensive organization while enhancing its attacking capabilities to produce a more attractive and creative style of football.

Beyond tactics, he stressed the importance of mindset, competitiveness and commitment, which he considers the foundations of the team’s progress in recent years.

Playing on home soil is not an added source of pressure but rather a powerful motivation, Vilda added.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning coach with Spain said the high expectations of Moroccan supporters reflect the confidence they have in the team.

He welcomed the opportunity to play in front of home fans, whom the Atlas Lionesses are eager to reward with performances that match the country’s ambitions.

Morocco will compete in Group A of the Women’s AFCON alongside Senegal, Algeria and Kenya.

Moroccan women’s national football team head coach Jorge Vilda unveiled on Friday a list of 26 players selected for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.

Morocco has been placed in Group A alongside Senegal, Algeria and Kenya.

Here follows the full list of the selected players:

Goalkeepers:

– Khadija Er-Rmichi

– Ines Arouaissa

– Fatima-Zahra El Jebraoui

Defenders:

– Hanane Ait El Haj

– Zineb Redouani

– Aziza Rabbah

– Siham Boukhami

– Rania Boutiebi

– Nouhaila Benzina

– Maryame Atiq

– Nesryne El Chad

Midfielders:

– Soumia Hady

– Ghizlane Chebbak

– Najat Badri

– Hajar Said

– Yasmin-Katie M’Rabet

– Elodie Nahla Nakkach

Forwards:

– Kenza Chapelle

– Imane Saoud

– Kautar Azraf

– Jade Nassi

– Fatima Tagnaout

– Sakina Ouzraoui

– Chaimaa Mourtaji

– Ibtissam Jraidi

– Sanaa Mssoudy.

Moroccan Ghizlaine Chebbak, captain of the Atlas Lionesses, was named African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards 2025 ceremony, held Wednesday evening in Rabat.

Alongside Chebbak, the final list of candidates for this award also included Sanaa Mssoudy, forward for AS FAR and the Moroccan national team, and Nigerian Rasheedat Ajibade, PSG player.

The award was presented by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

 AS FAR player Doha Madani won the Best Young Player of the Year award during the CAF Awards ceremony, held Wednesday evening in Rabat.

At 20 years old, the young Moroccan represents a true hope for Moroccan and African football.

Meanwhile, Tanzanian Clement Mzize, a TP Mazembe player, received the award for the Best Goal of the Year 2025.

Also nominated for the award were goals scored by Moroccans Oussama Lamlioui, forward for Renaissance Berkane, and Ghizlane Chebbak, captain of the Lionesses of the Atlas.

Morocco’s national U17 women’s football team defeated Costa Rica 3-1 on Friday evening at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, in the third and final match of Group A in the tournament’s final phase.

The goals for Morocco were scored by Mayssa Baha (4th minute and 39th minute, the latter from a penalty) and Fabiana Alfaro (77th minute, own goal), while Costa Rica reduced the deficit through Naima Moya in stoppage time (90+5).