Moroccan women’s football team U17 made history yesterday after securing their first-ever World Cup qualification. The Atlas Lionesses beat Ghana 4-2 on penalties (2-2 on aggregate) in the game held at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The Moroccan team will now contest at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place between October 11 and 30 in India.
Following a 2-0 loss against Ghana in the first leg of their World Cup playoffs, the Atlas Lionesses were determined to clinch a ticket to the world’s most prestigious football competition.
And with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) granting free access to the stadium for supporters willing to watch the decisive game, Moroccans showed up in numbers to support the national team.
As the game kicked off, Atlas Lionesses appeared determined to overturn their 2-0 defeat in the first leg, launching a full-scale attack on the Ghanaian defenses.
The team’s determination and perseverance proved fruitful in the 15th minute as Fatima El Ghazouani scored the game opener.
Energized by their fans’ support after this early lead, Atlas Lionesses pushed even harder against Ghana’s defenses, creating dangerous chances and missing a penalty in the first half.
In the second half, the Moroccan squad, building on their positive result in the first half, appeared much more determined to create more trouble for the Ghanaian squad and eventually seal a long-awaited World Cup qualification.
The Moroccan team’s constant pressure caused distress among Ghana’s players.
In the 47th minute, Atlas Lioness Samya Mansaoui profited from keeper Afi Amenyeku’s blunder to double the team lead.
The hosts pushed for a third goal, but the Ghanaian keeper made up for her earlier gaffes by keeping the visitors in the game and dragging the game to penalties after a 2-2 aggregate score.
In the penalty shootouts, the Moroccan goalkeeper Louisa Derbali put on an impressive display, saving two out of five penalties.
With a 4-2 win on penalties, the Moroccan team clinched a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup taking place later this year.
The Atlas Lionesses will be among the 16 teams competing to win the prestigious title.
Read also: Women’s Football: Morocco U17 Eyes World Cup Qualification Against Ghana
