17-07-2025
WAFCON: Jorge Vilda Says Morocco's Team is Highly Motivated to Secure Semifinals Spot
Rabat – Jorge Vilda, head coach of Morocco's women's national football team, said the Atlas Lionesses are highly motivated to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
'This is a knockout match, so naturally the pressure is higher, but we are determined to win,' he said.
The Moroccan national team will play their quarterfinal clash against Mali at 8 p.m. Moroccan time at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.
The coach is aware of the rival's power, noting they have talented players who have joined the team and are competing at the highest level.
Morocco won 1-0 against Mali in a friendly game in December of last year.
'The Malians play well collectively and know how to exploit spaces. They'll be motivated to beat us, but we have the tools we need to reach the next round,' Vilda said, warning that the Atlas Lionesses have to be aware of overconfidence.
'Mali's 4-0 defeat against South Africa in the group stage does not truly reflect the potential of their team or the nature of that match,' he warned, adding that all players are focused on winning the game.
Aziza Rabah, Morocco's defender, acknowledged defensive mistakes were made during the two-group stage matches, but she is confident that they were corrected in the third match against Senegal.
'We had five days of rest and are excited to play this quarterfinal,' she said, adding that there are no easy matches in the tournament. Tags: morocco wafconWAFCON
