Morocco Prepares for 2024 WAFCON with Friendly Against Tanzania
Gummersbach – The Moroccan women's national football team steps onto the pitch this Saturday night in Rabat, where it faces Tanzania in a friendly match that marks the final stretch of preparations for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The game begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Stadium.
For head coach Jorge Vilda Rodriguez and his players, the match represents more than a test of form, it sets the tone ahead of a continental tournament that Morocco will host from July 5 to 26.
On Wednesday, Vilda unveiled his final squad for the upcoming WAFCON. The head coach's team is composed of a mix of domestic and foreign-based talent. The players include Ghizlane Chebbak, goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, and forward Fatima Tagnaout, among others.
Jorge Vilda recently discussed his team's progress in an interview with CAFOnline.
'African football has immense potential,' Vilda stated. 'Everything is more and more balanced. The teams are preparing better, the national competitions are improving, the teams have better technical staff who help them to progress. We see more organized teams and, above all, with enormous physical potential.'
The Atlas Lionesses are in Group A, alongside Zambia, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Their first official match in the tournament will be against Zambia, set for Saturday, July 5, at 9:00 p.m. – a high-stakes opener that puts the host nation immediately under the spotlight.
Group B brings together Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana. Group C features South Africa, Ghana, Mali and Tanzania, the latter of whom provides Morocco's opponent for this weekend's friendly.
With expectations rising and the home crowd behind them, Morocco's players approach the final rehearsal knowing what lies ahead. A tournament on their soil, against the continent's best, and the chance to leave their mark on African football history. Tags: Atlas LionessesMoroccosportsWAFCON
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
10 hours ago
- Morocco World
PSG Ease Past Inter Miami to Reach Club World Cup Quarters
Paris Saint-Germain booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 4-0 win over Inter Miami in Atlanta. João Neves put PSG ahead after just six minutes and added a second shortly before half-time. Thomas Avilés made it three in the 44th minute as the Ligue 1 side took full control before the break. Achraf Hakimi capped off the first-half display with a goal in stoppage time. The Morocco international, who started and played the full match, now has two goals in the competition. PSG will face either Flamengo or Bayern Munich in the next round. That tie kicks off later on Sunday at 9 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1).
Morocco World
13 hours ago
- Morocco World
Hamdallah Offers Cash Rewards to Fire Up Safi Ahead of Throne Cup Final
Saudi Pro League target man Abderrazak Hamdallah has sent a message to his former club Olympique Safi ahead of tonight's Throne Cup final against RS Berkane, promising a personal cash bonus to every player should they lift the trophy. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the Al-Shabab striker urged players, staff and fans alike to believe in their moment of glory. 'Tomorrow is not an ordinary day,' he wrote. 'It's a date with history, with the moment we've all dreamt of. You're here because of hard work, spirit and love for this badge. One last step – make it count.' Hamdallah also called on Safi's Ultras, the 'Ultra Shark', to set the stadium alight. 'Let your voices reach the sky,' he said. 'Show the world who we are.' The striker ended his post with a promise of a 'special financial reward' to any player who gives everything for the shirt. 'Sweat is rewarded. Spirit is honoured. Victory deserves everything.' Tonight's final, held at the newly revamped Fez Sports Complex at 7 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1), features a hungry Safi side chasing their first-ever Throne Cup title against an in-form RS Berkane outfit eyeing a historic treble. Berkane have already lifted the league title and the CAF Confederation Cup this season. Now, they're hoping to add domestic silverware to cap off a brilliant season. Safi, meanwhile, are chasing redemption. They lost their only previous final back in 2016 and now have a shot at rewriting the club's history tonight. Tags: HamdallahOlympique SafiRS BerkaneSaudi pro leaguethrone cup
Morocco World
14 hours ago
- Morocco World
Aymane Mourid Joins Russia's Baltika on Four-Year Deal
Russian Premier League club Baltika Kaliningrad have completed the signing of Moroccan midfielder Ayman Mourid from Union Touarga on a contract running until June 2029. The 24-year-old joins from Moroccan side Union Touarga, where he made 81 appearances, scored once and provided five assists over the past three seasons. Baltika announced the deal on Instagram, describing Mourid as a technically gifted player with solid experience despite his age. Mourid is a graduate of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, Morocco's elite talent hub. In 2018, he moved to Spain to join the youth ranks of Leganés, where he made his senior debut for the B team and even featured in a Copa del Rey tie for the first team. He later returned to Morocco on loan with Chabab Mohammedia before signing for Union Touarga in 2022. The financial terms of the transfer were not disclosed, but both clubs confirmed the deal had been finalised. Baltika welcomed the player on a social media post, writing: 'We're happy to welcome Aymane into the Baltika family and wish him success with the club.' His move to Baltika adds to the growing number of Moroccan players plying their trade in Russia's top flight. Yahya Attiyat Allah, a standout performer at the 2022 World Cup, signed with PFC Sochi in early 2024, though he's currently on loan at Al Ahly in Egypt. Mohamed Amine Talal is also making his mark at Akhmat Grozny. The midfielder joined from Sheriff Tiraspol and has become a regular in their line-up. Meanwhile, striker El Mehdi Maouhoub signed for Dynamo Moscow in August 2024 after a breakout title-winning season with Raja Casablanca scoring eight goals in 19 matches. In his first season at the Russian capital, the 22-year-old scored eight goals and made two assists across all competitions. The club finished fifth in the league last season.
