Jorge Vilda optimistic about Morocco's chances in Women’s AFCON 2025

Morocco's women's soccer team is geared up for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with head coach Jorge Vilda expressing confidence in his squad's potential to secure victory. The tournament is set to take place in Morocco from July 5 to July 26. Vilda emphasizes the importance of rigorous preparation and has scheduled friendly matches against formidable African teams, Tunisia and Cameroon, ahead of the competition.

At a recent press conference, Vilda revealed the selected players for the upcoming friendlies. He noted, “We hope to play more matches before the tournament to prepare well. We played against Congo and other teams to get ready. We chose teams similar to our opponents in the tournament.” This strategic approach aims to provide the team with valuable insights into their readiness.

Vilda acknowledged the challenges posed by the upcoming matches, stating, “They are tough teams. They will test us, but these games will help us see where we stand before the tournament.” He highlighted significant progress made over the past year and a half, particularly in strengthening the team's defense and diversifying their attacking strategies. “The tournament is getting closer, and this gives us more motivation to perform well,” he added.

When discussing player selection, Vilda emphasized a merit-based approach, focusing on performance and readiness. “We do not care where a player comes from. The key is that she has a Moroccan passport. We have players from local clubs like AS FAR and Wydad, as well as professionals in Europe and America. Their experience in top leagues is important for us,” he explained.

Vilda expressed his deep trust in the current squad, declaring it the “best I have coached so far.” He underscored the team's goal: “Our goal is to win and make Moroccan fans happy. Once the referee blows the whistle, all teams have the same chance. The team that plays best will win. We hope to lift the trophy,” he concluded.

The friendly matches against Tunisia and Cameroon are scheduled for April 4 and April 8, respectively, taking place at the Stade Père Jégo in Casablanca. These encounters represent the final preparations for the Atlas Lionesses as they aim to make a significant impact on the continental stage.