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Rabat – Following France’s 4-0 victory over Morocco in the 2023 Women’s World Cup round of 16, several French players have expressed satisfaction with the win and excitement for the upcoming quarter-final against Australia.
Notably, Sakina Karchaoui – who is of Moroccan origins – expressed pride in Morocco’s progress when it comes to women’s football and optimism for the future of the sport in the country.
“Today it was a game with a lot of emotions for me because Morocco is a country I love a lot,” Karchaoui told Morocco’s Arryadia TV after the game, emphasizing that she grew up with love for the country.
She added that she wishes more success for the North African country in its footballing endeavors.
“Today I see [Morocco] at the highest international levels, one of the best 10 teams, so it is very good what Morocco is doing for women’s football,” she concluded.
Sandie Toletti said that while the team is very happy about the victory, they still have a long way to go in the competition.
Defender Wendie Renard praised her team’s performance, saying that they were able to open up spaces after scoring the first goal, but she also noted the game’s intensity.
Despite the exit in the round of 16, the Atlas Lionesses have still made history, not only as the first Arab and MENA team to qualify for the tournament, but also as the first to make it to the knockout stages.
The Moroccan women’s campaign started with a disheartening 6-0 defeat to Germany, but they subsequently showed determination and defeated South Korea and Colombia 1-0 each to reach the knockouts.
Moroccan football has witnessed notable strides in recent years at both club and national team levels.
Women’s football has been of particular importance as the country became a trailblazer in the MENA region with a professional women’s league and impressive continental and international performances.
Read also: Morocco-France: Atlas Lionesses’ Historic Journey at Women’s World Cup Ends
