Morocco’s women's football squad ready for 2024 WAFCON challenge

Jorge Vilda, head coach of Morocco’s women’s national football team, has announced the final squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The tournament, set to take place from July 5 to 26 across Morocco, will feature 12 teams competing for the continental title.

Morocco’s squad revealed

The squad, unveiled during a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, reflects a blend of domestic and international talent. Key players include captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who plays for Levante in Spain, alongside goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi and forward Fatima Tagnaout from Moroccan club AS FAR.

Morocco will compete in Group A, facing Zambia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As host nation, Morocco will kick off the tournament against Zambia on July 5 at Rabat’s newly inaugurated Olympic Stadium.

The tournament’s group stage also includes Group B—featuring Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana—and Group C, which comprises South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.

Preparations and expectations

Vilda’s squad selection comes after a series of successful preparation matches, including a 1-0 win over Cape Verde and a 4-1 victory against Malawi. The team, silver medalists in the 2022 edition, is determined to build on their previous success and leverage their home advantage.

In an interview with CAFOnline, Vilda highlighted the growth of women’s football in Africa, noting the improved organization, technical expertise, and physical potential of the continent’s teams. Regarding Group A, he described it as the most competitive, emphasizing the progress Zambia has made over the past year.

Leadership and vision

Vilda, who led Spain to the Women’s World Cup title in 2023 before taking charge of Morocco, expressed confidence in his players’ dedication. “They come with total commitment to the jersey, the coat of arms, and the country,” he said. He also assured fans that the team would play with passion and determination, stating, “What I can guarantee 100% is that our players will give everything, fight for every ball—not just to win games, but for every action.”

The coach dismissed any notion of negative pressure from hosting the tournament. Instead, he views it as a privilege and an opportunity to showcase Morocco’s progress on the international stage.

Full squad list

Goalkeepers: Khadija Er-Rmichi (AS FAR), Ines Arouaissa (Saint Malo, France), Fatima Ezzahra El Jabraoui (Wydad Casablanca), Hind Hasnaoui (AS FAR)
Defenders: Hanane Ait Elhaj (Valencia CF, Spain), Zineb Redouani (AS FAR), Sabah Seghir (FC Basel, Switzerland), Aziza Rabbah (AS FAR), Nouhaila Benzina (AS FAR), Siham Boukhami (AS FAR), Yasmin Mrabet (Valencia CF, Spain), Soumia Hady (Wydad Casablanca)
Midfielders: Ghizlane Chebbak (Levante, Spain), Najat Badri (AS FAR), Elodie Nakkach (Al Ahly, Saudi Arabia), Salma Bouguerch (Wydad Casablanca), Anissa Lahmari (Levante, Spain), Sarah Kassi (Fleury 91, France), Imène El Ghazouani (Servette FC, Switzerland), Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR)
Forwards: Fatima Tagnaout (AS FAR), Sakina Ouzraoui Diki (UD Tenerife), Rania Boutiebi (Bruges, Belgium), Imane Saoud (Servette FC, Switzerland), Ibtissam Jraidi (Al Ahly, Saudi Arabia), Kenza Chapelle (Strasbourg, France)

As the Atlas Lionesses prepare to take the field, fans across Morocco are eagerly anticipating a strong performance on home soil.