Morocco 'showed fight' to claim draw in Wafcon opener

BBC News

06-07-2025

Hosts Morocco proved they have spirit by claiming a late draw in the opening match of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, according to forward Sakina Ouzraoui.The Atlas Lionesses trailed twice against Zambia, but Ghizlane Chebbak's long-range strike in the 88th minute ensured that the North Africans picked up a point in the Group A encounter in Rabat."We showed that we are fighters," Ouzraoui told BBC Sport Africa."We are Morocco and we don't give up easy."It is a big feeling because we were losing. Having a draw at the last minute is a good result."Zambia had enjoyed the perfect start at the Olympic Stadium, with Barbra Banda opening the scoring in the first minute.Ibtissam Jraidi hit back from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, but the Copper Queens then restored their lead before the break through Racheal Kundananji.
Morocco have invested heavily in women's football in recent years as they bid to claim a first continental title, and were runners-up at the 2022 edition of Wafcon."We wanted to have the win but we know Zambia is a good team, fast and strong, with big players," Ouzraoui said."We know all the pressure is on us because the [Wafcon] is being played here and we were finalists at the last one."We have two games coming and we have to win them because we want the cup to stay here."Team-mate Yasmin Mrabet said the Atlas Lionesses had managed their emotions well after falling behind early on."I think that's something we need to really look at and improve on," the midfielder said."I think we were able to control a lot of moments of the game."There's always a lot of expectation, being the host of the tournament also, and especially with our last [Wafcon], but I think we need to be calm. We need to go match by match."
Zambia will 'work on mistakes'
Zambia are also among the favourites to lift the trophy in Rabat on 26 July, given they finished third in 2022 and boast Africa's two most expensive female players in Kundananji and Banda.Kundananji, who plays for Bay FC in the USA's National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), says a point against Morocco is "just the beginning" for the Copper Queens."At a tournament, drawing a game - and the first game for that matter - it's not good to be disappointed," the 25-year-old forward told BBC Sport Africa."This has just opened our eyes to go and work hard, make sure we manage the game, the next game and take the three points."We're going [to] work on our mistakes."Meanwhile, Zambia coach Nora Hauptle says she and her squad will not be affected by outside opinions or those back home who expect the side to go deep at the tournament."We are not listening so much on expectations," the Swiss said."I think the pressure you create [is] in your inner world."It's a good start. I would say very entertaining for the spectators - good crowd, good atmosphere - and for me also Morocco is a top team which will battle for the title."