Rabat – Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda has announced his starting lineup for the Atlas Lionesses’ final Women’s Africa Cup of Nations group-stage match against Senegal on Monday evening.
Experienced goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi starts between the posts, with Zineb Redouani, Maryame Atiq, Nouhaila Benzina and Hanane Ait El Haj forming Morocco’s defensive line.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak is included in midfield alongside Elodie Nahla Nakkach and Yasmin-Katie Mrabet.
Sanaa Mssoudy and Sakina Ouzraoui Diki will support Ibtissam Jraidi in attack. Mssoudy retains her place after scoring the decisive goal in Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Algeria.
Morocco’s confirmed starting XI: Khadija Er-Rmichi; Zineb Redouani, Maryame Atiq, Nouhaila Benzina, Hanane Ait El Haj; Elodie Nahla Nakkach, Ghizlane Chebbak, Yasmin-Katie Mrabet; Sanaa Mssoudy, Ibtissam Jraidi and Sakina Ouzraoui Diki.
Morocco target perfect group-stage record
Morocco have already secured qualification for the quarter-finals after winning their opening two matches without conceding a goal.
Vilda’s team began the tournament with a commanding 4-0 victory over Kenya before Mssoudy scored an 84th-minute winner against Algeria. The two results gave the hosts six points, five goals scored and none conceded.
The Atlas Lionesses will now attempt to finish the group stage with three victories for only the second time in their Women’s AFCON history.
Senegal enter the match needing a win while hoping Algeria fail to defeat Kenya in the other Group A fixture. The Senegalese have three points after losing 2-0 to Algeria and beating Kenya 1-0.
Morocco have won both of their previous Women’s AFCON meetings with Senegal by a 1-0 scoreline. Chebbak scored the winner from the penalty spot in 2022, while Mrabet converted the decisive penalty when the teams met at the previous edition.
Monday’s match will begin at 9 p.m. at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
