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D-9 to the Women's AFCON: Ghizlane Chebbak, In Her Father's Name

D-9 to the Women's AFCON: Ghizlane Chebbak, In Her Father's Name

CAF16 hours ago

Published: Thursday, 26 June 2025
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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D-9 to the Women's AFCON: Ghizlane Chebbak, In Her Father's Name
D-9 to the Women's AFCON: Ghizlane Chebbak, In Her Father's Name

CAF

time16 hours ago

  • CAF

D-9 to the Women's AFCON: Ghizlane Chebbak, In Her Father's Name

Published: Thursday, 26 June 2025 The countdown to the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations has officially begun. On this occasion, 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.

Aïssata Traoré (Mali): "During our absence, we never doubted"
Aïssata Traoré (Mali): "During our absence, we never doubted"

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Aïssata Traoré (Mali): "During our absence, we never doubted"

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After five seasons at Guingamp, she reached a new level with her move to Fleury in the summer of 2024. In a highly ambitious squad, she quickly became the spearhead of the attack: 9 goals and 4 assists in 20 D1 Arkema matches, including 19 starts. The stats speak for themselves — but they don't tell the full story of her impact: her off-the-ball movement, her ability to involve teammates, and her defensive work ethic make her a complete player. The Malian international knows the pride — and pain — that comes with wearing the national jersey. She hasn't forgotten the frustration of 2022, when Mali failed to qualify and had to watch the tournament from the sidelines. But she turned that disappointment into fuel. 'No one ever doubted,' she says calmly. 'When you work hard, there's no room for doubt.' And Mali has been working. Now drawn into Group C alongside South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania, the team knows there will be no easing into the tournament. 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Seven years later, Mali is back and making a strong return. What does this comeback mean to you, and why do you think it's happening now? This return shows we never stopped working. After our last appearance, we kept moving forward as a group. No one gave up. We stayed united. We knew qualifying would be tough, but we kept listening to each other, pushing ourselves, working hard — and in the end, it paid off. So yes, this comeback is very satisfying. What was the most difficult part of that rebuilding period? Did you ever doubt that Mali would return to this level? Honestly, no. Mali is a powerhouse in African women's football. Finishing fourth in 2018 wasn't a fluke. So yes, we told ourselves we had to come back — that we couldn't remain absent. No one doubted. And when you work the right way, there's no space for doubt. How is this upcoming tournament different from the one you played in 2018? Very different. In 2018, it was my first WAFCON. 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Because at the end of the day, playing football is a privilege — not everyone gets to do it. So yes, just have fun, play with your friends in the street — that's what really matters.

Al-Somah eyes positive finish for Wydad against Al-Ain in Club World Cup
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