Rabat, July 13, 2025 – The Europe Today: Morocco’s national women’s football team, the Atlas Lionesses, secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a decisive victory over Senegal in Rabat.
The match, played in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, saw Morocco dominate both in possession and attacking opportunities. However, the breakthrough came late in the first half after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed a foul by the Senegalese goalkeeper, who struck Moroccan defender Aziza Rabbah in the face with her elbow inside the box.
Yassmine Mrabet confidently converted the resulting penalty in the 45th minute, putting Morocco ahead with the only goal of the match.
Led by team captain Ghizlane Chebbak, the Atlas Lionesses maintained strong control throughout the game, missing several clear scoring opportunities but showcasing a persistent and dynamic performance. The win capped Morocco’s group stage campaign with seven points, ensuring their progression to the next round.
Morocco’s WAFCON journey began dramatically with a 2-2 draw against Zambia, where the team overcame a first-half deficit. In their second match, they claimed an impressive 4-2 victory over DR Congo, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the title.
This year’s tournament, held from July 5 to 26, marks the second consecutive time Morocco is hosting WAFCON. After finishing as runners-up in the 2022 edition, the Atlas Lionesses are determined to go one step further on home soil.
Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has witnessed a remarkable transformation in women’s football. Significant investments in grassroots development, infrastructure, and club-level initiatives — led by top teams such as AS FAR and FUS Rabat — have contributed to the sport’s growing popularity and success.
As the nation rallies behind the Atlas Lionesses, the 2024 WAFCON is poised to inspire a new generation of Moroccan girls to pursue football, paving the way for Morocco to become a continental powerhouse in the women’s game.
