D-9 to the Women's AFCON: Ghizlane Chebbak, In Her Father's Name
The countdown to the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations has officially begun. On this occasion, CAFOnline.com invites you to relive some of the most memorable moments of the competition, which is set to celebrate its 13th edition. Today, we highlight the emotional tribute paid by Ghizlane Chebbak to her father, Larbi, throughout the 2022 Women's AFCON.
Only 9 days to go until the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024.
Judging by her oriented controls, her sense of positioning and her vision of the game, Ghizlane Chebbak leaves no doubt: she is the daughter of Larbi Chebbak, former Moroccan international and 1976 African champion with the Atlas Lions.
Two years before the final in Rabat, Larbi passed away, leaving behind an immense legacy and a daughter determined to keep it alive, with the ball at his feet.
Throughout the tournament, Ghizlane has not stopped paying tribute to him, publicly and silently. Captain of the Atlas Lionesses, she led her team to a historic first final, scoring three goals and multiplying high-level performances.
"I think about him every game. He would have been so proud to see what we accomplished. I play for him, for his memory, and to honour the name I bear," she said after the semi-final win against Nigeria.
Her tournament ended with a rare emotion: voted best player of the 2022 AFCON, Ghizlane received her trophy in tears, raised her eyes to the sky, then whispered a few words: "It's for you, dad."
Beyond the filial symbol, Ghizlane Chebbak has become the face of a Morocco on the rise in women's football, and an ambassador of a legacy that she brilliantly extends.
The message of a player who has become an icon: playing for your country is also about honouring those who have made history before us.
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