Lionesses Roar Back: Morocco Stuns Tanzania to Claim AFCON Futsal Glory
The host nation staged a remarkable comeback after falling behind 2-0 early in the match. Doha El Madani initiated the recovery just before halftime, with Drissia Korrych equalizing in the 34th minute before Jasmine Demraoui sealed the victory with seconds remaining on the clock.
Demraoui proved to be the hero of the night, providing the assist for Korrych's equalizer before scoring the decisive goal herself in the final seconds.
Tanzania had started brightly, taking an early lead through Anastazia Katunzi in the fourth minute. Jamila Rajabu doubled their advantage in the 16th minute, putting the visitors in a commanding position.
The Moroccan side responded with relentless pressure. El Madani broke through Tanzania's defense in the 20th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 at halftime.
In the second period, Tanzania adopted a defensive approach, forming a low block that proved difficult for the hosts to penetrate. However, the Moroccan team's persistence paid off when Korrych converted Demraoui's setup to level the score.
With the match heading toward extra time, Demraoui capped her outstanding performance by netting the winner in the final seconds, sending the packed Rabat venue into raptures.
The victory marks another success for Moroccan football, coming just days after their U17 men's team won their continental championship on April 19.
Both Morocco and Tanzania have secured qualification for the first-ever FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup, scheduled to take place in the Philippines from November 27 to December 7.
Earlier in the day, Cameroon claimed the bronze medal with a convincing 4-1 win over Angola. Natacha Elam Ekosso netted twice, while Brunelle Ornella Beulou and captain Brigitte Yvana Mbomozomo added one goal each.
The medal ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Morocco's Minister of Education Mohamed Saad Berrada, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and Royal Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa.
Morocco's route to the title included dominant group stage performances, with victories over Namibia (8-1) and Cameroon (7-1), before dispatching Angola 5-1 in the semifinals. Tags: AFCON women futsalAtlas Lionesses
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