- King Mohammed VI Congratulates Morocco’s Women’s Team for Brilliant WAFCON Journey
- Morocco’s women’s football team reached the WAFCON 2024 final before suffering a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Nigeria, despite leading 2-0 at halftime
Rabat — His Majesty King Mohammed VI has extended heartfelt congratulations to Morocco’s women’s national football team following their remarkable journey to the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), hosted in the Kingdom.
Despite a narrow 3-2 defeat to powerhouse Nigeria in a thrilling final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the King expressed “great pride” in the performance of the Atlas Lionesses, commending their competitive spirit, national pride, and determination to elevate Moroccan women’s football on the continental and global stage.
In his royal message, King Mohammed VI emphasized that Morocco not only excelled on the pitch but also off it, by hosting the tournament “with warm hospitality and excellent organization,” reflecting the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to African solidarity and international sporting excellence.
“You have shown an exemplary competitive spirit and a high sense of patriotism, demonstrating your determination to consolidate the growing presence of Moroccan football on the continental and international scene,” the King noted, addressing the players and staff.
He also paid tribute to the efforts of the entire team—players, technical staff, medical team, and administrators—expressing his “high solicitude and benevolence” as they continue to inspire the next generation of Moroccan athletes.
Led by former Spanish national team coach Jorge Vilda, the Atlas Lionesses defied expectations throughout the tournament. Topping Group A with strong performances—including a 4-2 win over DR Congo and a 1-0 victory against Senegal—they advanced by defeating Mali in the quarter-finals and overcoming Ghana in a dramatic semi-final decided on penalties.
The final began with promise as Morocco surged to a 2-0 lead with early goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. However, Nigeria mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, capitalizing on a controversial VAR decision that denied Morocco a potentially game-deciding penalty.
Despite the loss, Morocco’s back-to-back WAFCON final appearances in 2022 and 2024 represent an extraordinary leap for the women’s game in the Kingdom—something King Mohammed VI has championed through sustained investment in sports infrastructure and gender-inclusive development.
This tournament has solidified Morocco’s reputation as a hub for African sport and showcased the nation’s ongoing transformation into a continental leader in women’s football.
As Morocco looks ahead to future competitions, the King’s recognition of the team’s achievements will no doubt fuel their ambition to go even further.
BY: The Times Union
