
Vilda: ‘The Players Kept the Score Intact Against a Strong Opponent' in WAFCON Group Stage
The result sends the Atlas Lionesses through to the quarter-finals as group leaders, edging Zambia on goal difference.
Coach Jorge Vilda, addressing the media after the match, commended his players for their discipline and unity. 'The defensive line did its job. They kept the score intact against a strong side,' he said.
'We pushed forward and created chances. We could have scored more, but what mattered was keeping control and protecting the lead.'
Vilda explained that his team focused on possession and collective play throughout the match.
'We made a few adjustments to stay sharp. The idea was to play as one and not lose sight of our objective,' he added. 'The road is still long, but this victory keeps our momentum alive.'
Aziza Rabbah, who earned the player of the match award, echoed her coach's thoughts. 'We faced difficult matches throughout the group stage. But with determination and good football, we reached the quarter-finals,' she said.
'Senegal gave us our hardest game . It was decisive, but we came out with three points and kept first place.'
Rabbah credited the team's spirit for the win. 'We never gave up. We stayed aggressive and held our advantage.'
'The match against Senegal wasn't easy, and the next one won't be either. We have to give it our all if we want to keep winning,' said Ghizlane Chebbak, the team captain.
Morocco now advances with seven points, level with Zambia but ahead on goal difference. Tags: Atlas LionessesMoroccoVildaWAFCON
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Morocco World
3 days ago
- Morocco World
CAF Sacks Referees Director After WAFCON Scandal
CAF has reportedly removed Désiré Noumandiez Doué from his post as Director of Refereeing, following a formal protest by Morocco over officiating in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. According to several reports, the move is CAF's first disciplinary response after widespread criticism of refereeing standards – criticism that intensified after the final, held at Rabat's Olympic stadium last Saturday. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) submitted an official complaint earlier this week, citing what it called 'critical errors' during the match. The final, officiated by Namibia's Antsino Twanyanyukwa – with assistance from Rwanda, Senegal, and a VAR team led by Rwanda's Salima Mukansanga – ended in a 3–2 win for Nigeria. Morocco have clearly been denied a clear penalty and criticised a 'highly debatable' spot-kick awarded to Nigeria. The FRMF attached a CD containing video clips of more incidents they argue 'changed the course of the match'. Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda expressed disbelief after the match. 'We can't understand the decision made by the referee,' he told ESPN. 'She gave a penalty, but then the images we saw weren't the same as those presented to the referee. The images were clear—we were sure she had to give a penalty.' 'There was a penalty that should have stood—the referee blew for it, but then went to VAR. We saw there was a handball, but the referee overturned it. That decision determined our fate. It had a psychological impact that shocked us. It was a massive blow.' The episode has reignited concerns about refereeing standards and transparency at CAF. Several North African associations have long voiced frustration, accusing the organisation – led by South Africa's Patrice Motsepe – of regional bias. CAF has faced criticism on other fronts too, including backlash over a promotional video that showed a divided map of Morocco, omitting the country's southern provinces. Sources say CAF is now reviewing its refereeing system under growing pressure from member associations. A shake-up may be imminent. Tags: CAFFIFAFRMFInfantinoLekjaaMoroccomotsepenigeriaWAFCON


Morocco World
6 days ago
- Morocco World
Morocco File Formal Referee Complaint After WAFCON Final Loss to Nigeria
Morocco's football federation has lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over what it described as 'refereeing injustices' during the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Nigeria. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said the match official failed to award a clear penalty in the 82nd minute, with the score level at 2-2. Video footage showed a potential handball by a Nigerian defender, but after a VAR check, the referee waved play on. Morocco's coaching staff and players expressed frustration immediately after the incident. The federation claims the decision altered the course of the match, which Nigeria went on to win 3-2. Speaking after the match, Moroccan head coach Jorge Vilda said: 'It was a small detail that cost us the game,' referring to the penalty decision. Vilda, usually reserved on refereeing matters, added that fatigue played a key role in his side's second-half collapse. Nigeria's coach, Justine Madugu, credited Morocco for a dominant first half and said tactical adjustments at half-time proved decisive. 'The players who came off the bench made the difference,' he said. 'Morocco have a promising future.' The final, held at Rabat's Olympic Stadium, was a tightly contested match. Morocco led 2-1 at the break, but Nigeria rallied in the second half to claim their record-extending 10th title. The tournament marked Morocco's second-ever appearance in a WAFCON final. Ghana secured third place after beating South Africa on penalties in Casablanca. After the heartbreaking loss, King Mohammed VI congratulated the Moroccan team in a statement, praising their spirit and performance. He also commended the organisation of the tournament and the strong attendance across venues. Tags: MoroccoWAFCONWOmen's Africa Cup of Nations


Morocco World
6 days ago
- Morocco World
Moroccan Duo and Nigerian Quartet Dominate WAFCON Best XI
The CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Team of the Tournament has been released, featuring standout performances across the continent – led by Moroccan and Nigerian stars. Morocco placed two players in the Best XI. Ghizlane Chebbak earned her spot after scoring five goals and claiming the Golden Boot, with a hat-trick against DR Congo during the group stage. Ibtissam Jraidi was also selected as a forward for her relentless movement and threat up front throughout the competition. The stars who shined the brightest. ⭐ Meet your Best XI of the Tournament!#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 — CAF Women's Football (@CAFwomen) July 28, 2025 Nigeria, champions after a 3–2 comeback in the final, had four players included. Chiamaka Nnadozie was the tournament's Best Goalkeeper and anchors the XI. Rasheedat Ajibade, named Player of the Tournament, features alongside Esther Okoronkwo, who scored the winner in the final. Michelle Alozie, a dynamic defender, completes the Nigerian representation. Other players honoured include South Africa's Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, and Refiloe Jane, who excelled in defence and midfield for the fourth-placed side. Ghana's Grace Asantewaa and Portia Boakye also made the XI following their third-place finish via penalty shootout over South Africa. The final in Rabat was memorable. Morocco led 2–0 at half-time through Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, but Nigeria responded in the second half. A penalty in the 64th minute, followed by an equaliser in the 77th, set the stage for Jennifer Echegini's 88th-minute winner. Morocco coach Jorge Vilda criticised a VAR decision that overturned a late penalty, telling ESPN: 'We can't understand the decision… She gave a penalty, but then the images we saw were not the same as those presented to the referee.' Nigeria coach Justine Madugu, later named Best Coach, credited halftime adjustments for the comeback: 'If they didn't have mental resilience, they would have given up… We did a lot of talking at halftime.' This is Nigeria's 10th WAFCON title as both nations reinforce their dominance in women's football in Africa. Tags: GhanaMorocconigeriaSouth AfricaWOmen's Africa Cup of Nations