Morocco's Lionesses Set Their Sights on Championship Glory
As the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations approaches, Morocco's national women's football team, affectionately known as the Lionesses of the Atlas, is gearing up for a highly competitive tournament. The team has been placed in a formidable first group alongside Senegal, Algeria, and Kenya, with aspirations of lifting the championship trophy. Having reached the finals in both the 2022 and 2024 editions of the tournament, the Lionesses are determined to convert their past silver medals into a coveted gold.
The Lionesses, under the guidance of coach Jorge Vilda, are optimistic that this third attempt will be the charm. The team is buoyed by the overwhelming support of local fans, which they hope will propel them beyond the final hurdle this time around. Morocco has witnessed significant progress on both continental and international stages, exemplified by their consecutive appearances in the finals and a historic qualification to the knockout stage of the 2023 World Cup—an unprecedented achievement for Moroccan football.
Prior to the tournament, the Lionesses delivered a resounding statement by defeating Cape Verde 5-0 in their final preparatory match at the Abou Jihad Stadium in Casablanca. This commanding victory has instilled confidence within the squad as they prepare to kick off their campaign.
This edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations holds particular significance for Morocco, as it also serves as a qualifying event for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams that reach the semi-finals will secure their spots in the global tournament, adding an extra layer of motivation for the Lionesses.
However, the road to the title will not be easy, as they face ambitious teams like Algeria, who qualified by overcoming Cameroon, a prominent force in African women's football. The Algerian team showcased their strength by beating South Sudan with an aggregate score of 8-0 before edging out Cameroon 2-1 in Oran and 1-0 in Douala, marking their second consecutive qualification to the finals.
The Lionesses will also contend with the Senegalese team, who have reached the quarter-finals in the last two tournaments, demonstrating their growing presence in the competition. After their initial participation in 1991, which ended in a first-round exit, Senegal made a notable comeback in 2022, aiming to solidify their competitiveness.
In a crucial opening match, the Lionesses will face Kenya, who are making their return to the continental arena after a decade-long absence. Led by their captain, Mwanahaliima Adam Jerico, the Kenyan team is eager to prove themselves and upset the established order.
Here is the schedule for the group stage matches in Group A:
- Sunday, July 26: Morocco vs. Kenya (9 PM, Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat)
- Sunday, July 26: Algeria vs. Senegal (6 PM, Olympic Stadium, Rabat)
- Thursday, July 30: Morocco vs. Algeria (9 PM, Moulay Hassan Stadium)
- Thursday, July 30: Senegal vs. Kenya (6 PM, Olympic Stadium)
- Monday, August 3: Senegal vs. Morocco (9 PM, Moulay Hassan Stadium)
- Monday, August 3: Kenya vs. Algeria (9 PM, Olympic Stadium)
As reported by mapsport.ma.
