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Ya Biladi
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Morocco and Zambia draw in thrilling Women's AFCON opener in Rabat
The Moroccan women's national football team drew 2-2 with Zambia on Saturday evening at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, in their opening match of Group A at the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (AWCON), hosted in Morocco. The Lionesses of the Atlas were caught off guard by an early goal from Barbra Banda in the first minute, but the team, coached by Spain's Jorge Vilda, remained unfazed. They pushed forward to level the score, with early chances from Nouhaila Benzina (4') and Ghizlane Chebbak (5'). Their efforts were rewarded in the 12th minute, when Ibtissam Jraidi converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review. The equalizer boosted the confidence of the Moroccan side, who took control of the game and looked to go ahead. But it was Zambia who struck next, with Racheal Kundananji finding the net in the 27th minute. Zambia kept the pressure on with long balls behind the Moroccan defense, nearly breaking through again before halftime, but goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi came up big in a one-on-one with Barbra Banda in stoppage time (45+1'). After the break, the Lionesses of the Atlas played more boldly in attack, particularly down the flanks. Substituting Yasmin M'Rabet, Sanaa Mssoudy (63') brought fresh energy and helped stretch the Zambian defense. Morocco looked more dangerous in the second half, creating several chances thanks to the lively Sanaa Mssoudy and the ever-reliable Fatima Tagnaout. Their persistence paid off when team captain Ghizlane Chebbak scored the equalizer in the 87th minute, bringing the score to 2-2. The opening ceremony of the 2024 Women's AFCON, held from July 5 to 26 in Morocco, featured a dazzling sound and light show, complete with fireworks. The highlight of the night was a performance by Moroccan singer Jaylann, who electrified the crowd with her latest hit. The match was attended by prominent figures including CAF President Patrice Motsepe; Morocco's Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Mohamed Saad Berrada; Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid; FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa; and other CAF officials.
Al-Ahram Weekly
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Morocco win historic African women's futsal title - Sports - Al-Ahram Weekly
Morocco were crowned champions of the inaugural Women's Africa Futsal Cup of Nations after they edged Tanzania 3-2 in the final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat on Wednesday night 30 April. The Lionesses of the Atlas came from two goals down to secure their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, with Jasmine Demraoui netting the decisive goal in the final minute of regulation time. According to cafonline, the win not only handed Morocco their maiden trophy in women's futsal but also secured their qualification for the first-ever FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup, set to be held in the Philippines from 27 November to 7 December this year. Finalists Tanzania also booked their spot in the global showpiece. Anastazia Katunzi of Tanzania opened the scoring in the fourth minute, capitalising on a poorly cleared ball to fire her side ahead. Tanzania doubled their advantage in the 16th minute through Jamila Rajabu, finishing off a swift counter-attack. Just before half-time, Doha El Madani slotted home a penalty to pull one back. In the 34th minute, Drissia Korrych levelled the tie from a cleverly worked corner. In the dying seconds, Demraoui found space to fire a precise low drive across the goalkeeper to complete a stunning comeback and ignite wild celebrations in Rabat. Earlier in the day, Cameroon claimed third place with a thumping 4-1 win over Angola. Egypt defeated Madagascar 4-2 to take fifth place in the nine-team tournament which were representing all five Confederation of African Football (CAF) sub regions. Egypt had played two games in the group stage, losing to Angola 3-1, then tying with Guinea 3-3 for one point. The tournament's individual awards went to Jasmine Demraoui (Best Player, Morocco), Doha El Madani (Top Scorer with 5 goals, Morocco), and Nassra Abbas (Best Goalkeeper, Tanzania). Namibia were recognised with the Fair Play Award. * A version of this article appears in print in the 8 May, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CAF
01-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco claim historic Women's Futsal AFCON title in last-minute thriller
Published: Wednesday, 30 April 2025 Morocco were crowned champions of the inaugural Women's Africa Futsal Cup of Nations after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Tanzania in a gripping final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat on Wednesday night. In front of a vibrant home crowd, the Lionesses of the Atlas came from two goals down to secure their first-ever continental title, with Jasmine Demraoui netting the decisive goal in the final minute of regulation time. The win not only handed Morocco their maiden trophy in women's futsal but also secured their qualification for the first-ever FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup, set to be held in the Philippines from 27 November to 7 December 2025. Tanzania, valiant finalists, also booked their spot in the global showpiece. Early setback, roaring comeback The final began with Morocco on the back foot as Tanzania's high press unsettled the hosts. Anastazia Katunzi opened the scoring in the 4th minute, capitalising on a poorly cleared ball to fire her side ahead. Tanzania doubled their advantage in the 16th minute through Jamila Rajabu, finishing off a swift counter-attack to stun the Rabat crowd. But Morocco responded with determination. Just before half-time, Doha El Madani calmly slotted home a penalty to pull one back and swing momentum toward the hosts. Buoyed by the crowd, Morocco returned with renewed energy in the second half. In the 34th minute, Drissia Korrych levelled the tie with a composed finish from a cleverly worked corner. The final blow As the match neared its conclusion, both sides pushed for a winner. Tanzania's physicality began to fade, while Morocco surged forward with belief. In the dying seconds, Demraoui found space to fire a precise low drive across the goalkeeper to complete a stunning comeback and ignite wild celebrations in Rabat. Other honours Earlier in the day, Cameroon claimed third place with a convincing 4-1 win over Angola. The tournament's individual awards went to Jasmine Demraoui (Best Player, Morocco), Doha El Madani (Top Scorer with 5 goals, Morocco), and Nassra Abbas (Best Goalkeeper, Tanzania). Namibia were recognised with the Fair Play Award.
