Rabat – Morocco’s football star Ghizlane Chebbak secured the Golden Boot at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), recognizing her talent and outstanding performance throughout the tournament that took place in Morocco from July 6-26.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) celebrated the Moroccan football player, recalling her five goals during the tournament.
This makes Chebbak the competition’s top scorer for a second consecutive edition.
“Chebbak continues to lead by example, following in the footsteps of her father, Larbi Chebbak, a 1976 Africa Cup of Nations winner with Morocco,” CAF said.
For the football confederation, Chebbak is rewriting history in women’s football, evoking her clinical hat-trick against the Democratic Republic of Congo during the group stage of this year’s tournament.
In addition to the Golden Boot, Chebbak also secured a spot in the Best XI along with Ibtissam Jraidi.
The final of the tournament finished with a heartbreaking ending for the Atlas Lionesses, who were on the brink of securing their first WAFCON title. They led the first half of the match but received an equalizer that changed the game scenario.
However, the Atlas Lionesses were deprived of a legitimate penalty in the second half, which the referee of the game canceled despite a VAR check. Nigeria seized the moment to score a third winning goal, which enabled the Super Falcons to take home their tenth WAFCON title.
Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF) reportedly filed a formal complaint with CAF, protesting against refereeing injustices during the final game against Nigeria.
Head coach Joge Vilda expressed satisfaction with his squad’s performances during the final, saying that small details cost the Atlas Lionesses the game and the title.
The canceled penalty “took the wind out of our sails,” he said. He added that despite the disappointment, the Atlas Lionesses proved they belong on the continental stage.
