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Rabat – Morocco’s women’s national team is determined to make a winning start to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when the Atlas Lionesses face Kenya on Sunday at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, head coach Jorge Vilda and captain Ghizlane Chebbak said ahead of the tournament opener.
Speaking during Saturday’s pre-match press conference, Vilda stressed that Morocco’s priority is to translate months of preparation into performances on the pitch.
“The best way to begin the tournament is by showing our quality on the field,” the Spanish coach said, highlighting the balance between experienced players and emerging talent within his squad.
Vilda expressed confidence in his team while insisting they remain grounded, adding that Morocco will approach the competition one match at a time.
Playing in front of home supporters, he noted, provides an extra source of motivation as the Atlas Lionesses aim to surpass their previous achievements at the continental tournament.
“Our goal is to qualify for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Vilda said, adding that his players are fully fit and ready to represent Morocco.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak echoed her coach’s confidence, describing the squad as united and fully focused on Sunday’s clash with Kenya.
“Hosting WAFCON in Morocco gives us even more motivation,” Chebbak said. “We are concentrating on the opening match and want to make our supporters proud.”
The Moroccan skipper acknowledged the pressure surrounding the tournament but described it as positive, saying the players are determined to demonstrate the progress made during their preparations despite facing experienced opposition.
Kenya’s coach
Meanwhile, Kenya head coach Beldine Odemba said her side is ready for the challenge and views the opening match as a key opportunity to test its preparations.
Odemba praised the diversity of her squad, noting that it blends internationally experienced players with younger talent, creating a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level.
Morocco enters this year’s WAFCON carrying high expectations after reaching the 2022, and the 2024 finals, where the Atlas Lionesses finished runners-up to South Africa, and Nigeria. With the tournament once again being held on home soil, the team is aiming to go one step further by lifting its first-ever continental title while also securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
