Rabat – Reynald Pedros, the coach of Morocco women’s national football team, said yesterday that the Atlas Lionesses displayed a “fantastic” performance during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Pedros made the comments in a press conference following the WAFCON final which took place at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat. The match ended with South Africa winning the WAFCON title at the expense of Morocco with a 2-1 victory.
“We will continue to work. This is just the beginning of a new adventure,” said Pedros, adding that the Atlas Lionesses will now focus on preparing for the 2023 World Cup.
The Moroccan women’s football team qualified for the Women’s World Cup for the first time following their victory against Botswana in the WAFCON quarterfinals. The global tournament will take place next year in Australia and New Zealand.
Commenting on Morocco’s performance in the final against South Africa, Reynald said that “the team was tired after the semifinals against Nigeria,” resulting in several missed opportunities to score.
The French coach acknowledged South Africa’s Banyana Banyana great performance in the final and congratulated them on the win.
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Thanks to the WAFCON, “we have shown people that Moroccan women’s football brings happiness,” he highlighted, adding that the “fervor” the WAFCON created is “fantastic.”
South Africa’s coach, Desiree Ellis said that her team was “extraordinary and accomplished their mission against the host country [Morocco].” South Africa “expected a very tough match but the players were well focused,” Ellis added, noting that her team’s “resilience” was a key factor in their victory.
The Atlas Lionesses gained momentum in Morocco and across Africa following their impressive performance at the WAFCON.
The final match marked the attendance of thousands of fans who filled the Abdellah Sports Complex to the brim, offering the Atlas Lionesses their unwavering support and encouragement.
