Morocco wrote history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. (Photo by Alex Grimm – FIFA/FIFA via Getty … [+]
The Moroccan women’s national soccer team is aiming for a historic qualification for the Olympic Games building on their historic debut in the World Cup last summer as the first-ever qualified Arab nation.
As they prepare to face Zambia, the newly-appointed coach Jorge Vilda has a wealth of players at his disposal who have previously competed in the 2022 African Cup of Nations and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
From Ibtissam Jraïdi and Khadija Errmichi to Ghizlane Chebbak and Fatima Tagnaout, Coach Vilda has a variety of options at his disposal.
Chebbak and Tagnaout have been standout performers for Morocco in recent years, with their notable contributions during the 2022 African Cup of Nations playing a pivotal role in securing a silver medal for the kingdom.
Ghizlane Chebbak is a women’s soccer icon in Morocco. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde – FIFA/FIFA via Getty … [+]
Jorge Vilda, who took over from Reynald Pedros, the former head coach of Olympique Lyonnais, can also rely on a contingent of players who are familiar with the demanding European standard, such as Sarah Kassi (Fleury), Jade Nassi (Stade de Reims), and Rosella Ayane (Tottenham).
This team, which has consistently pushed its boundaries in recent years, aims to do so once more.
However, Zambia poses a threat, eager to secure a return to the Olympic Games following their participation in Tokyo 2020.
The Copper Queens, though eliminated in the initial stage, showcased their prowess, notably through Barbra Banda‘s hat tricks.
Barbra Banda is Zambia’s key player. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Zambia also boasts the presence of Racheal Kundananji, the most expensive female soccer player in history, within its squad.
However, Kundananji, who departed Madrid CFF for Bay FC, is uncertain for the upcoming matches against Morocco due to a knee injury sustained during the previous international window.
Zambia’s incredible potential, symbolized by a bronze medal at the last African Cup of Nations, promises a spectacular duel with Morocco on the road to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The two teams will face off twice, on April 5 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, and then on April 9 at the Moulay El Hassan Complex in Rabat.
The Atlas Lionesses aspire to make history for women’s soccer in their country, as they have never previously participated in the Olympic Games.
Should they succeed in qualifying, they will be placed in Group B alongside three powerhouse teams in women’s soccer: the USA, Australia, and Germany.
Their schedule will see them face the USWNT on July 25 in Nice, followed by a match against Australia on July 28, also in Nice, and concluding the group stage with a game against Germany on July 31 in Saint-Étienne.
Khadija Errmichi, Ines Arouaissa, Zineb El Arari, Zineb Redouani, Sabah Seghir, Yasmin Katie Mrabet, Nouhaila Benzina, Aziza Rebbah, Siham Boukhami, Meryame Atiq, Hanane Ait ElHaj, Najat Badri, Elodie Nakkach, Ines Kbida, Sarah Kassi, Salma Bouguerch, Ghizlane Chebbak, Annisa Lahmari, Ines Faddi, Fatima Tagnaout, Rania Boutiebi, Imane Saoud, Rosella Ayane, Sakina Ouzraoui Diki, Jade Nassi, Ibtissam Jraidi, Safae Banouk, Yassmin Zouhir.
Among the names selected by the Spanish head coach, alongside the headliners, Ghizlane Chebbak, Fatima Tagnaout, Anissa Lahmari, Ibtissam Jraidi, and the returning Ines Faddi, is a new one: Jade Nassi, the ex-French U19 international, who will therefore now defend the colors of Morocco.
The 20-year-old Nassi plays as a left winger for the Stade de Reims club in the French first division (D1 Arkema) and has previously played for FC Nantes and US Saint-Malo, who compete in the French second division.
