In a groundbreaking moment for Moroccan women’s football, Reynald Pedros, the Head Coach of the Moroccan National Women’s Football Team, revealed the final roster of 28 players who will proudly represent Morocco in the highly anticipated 2023 Women’s World Cup. This historic tournament marks the Atlas Lionesses’ first-ever participation in the World Cup and is set to take place from July 20 to August 20 in New Zealand and Australia.
The Moroccan squad showcases a formidable lineup, showcasing a blend of talent and skill across all positions. In goal, the team will rely on the capabilities of Ines Arouaissa, Khadija Errmichi, and Assia Zouhair. The defensive line will be led by Hanane Ait El Haj, Nouhaila Benzina, Siham Boukhami, Zineb Redouani, Yasmine Mrabet, Rkia Mazrouai, Nesryne El Chad, Ghizlane Chhiri, and Sabah Seghir, ensuring a solid defensive foundation.
The midfield will be marshaled by the skilled quartet of Najat Badri, Anissa Lahmari, Elodie Nakkach, Sarah Kassi, and the inspirational team captain Ghizlane Chebbak. These players possess the vision, creativity, and tenacity necessary to control the game and create scoring opportunities.
Up front, Morocco boasts an attacking force consisting of Salma Amani, Rosella Ayane, Anissa Belkasmi, Sofia Bouftini, Fatima Tagnaout, Imane Souad, Ibtissam Jraidi, Samya Hassani, Kenza Chapelle, Sakina Ouzraoui Diki, and Gharbi Fatima. Their agility, speed, and goal-scoring prowess will be crucial in securing victories for the Atlas Lionesses.
Speaking at the press conference where he unveiled the squad, Coach Pedros expressed his team’s determination to deliver a stellar performance, aiming to achieve something extraordinary and push their limits to the maximum. Despite being considered underdogs in Group H, which includes formidable opponents such as Germany, South Korea, and Colombia, Pedros emphasized that Morocco is ready to challenge these nations with unwavering commitment and meticulous preparation.
With high hopes for advancing to the Round of 16, Coach Pedros celebrated the remarkable growth of women’s football in Morocco in recent years, viewing it as a promising start for the nation’s footballing journey. He acknowledged the team’s historic qualification for the Women’s World Cup, secured with an impressive victory over Botswana during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-finals in 2022. The Atlas Lionesses’ exceptional performance in the continental tournament saw them reach the WAFCON final for the first time.
As the sole representative of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the global tournament, Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses are poised to carry the hopes and dreams of their nation, aspiring to make a lasting impact on the world stage. With anticipation building, fans eagerly await the kick-off, ready to rally behind their team and witness history being made by the fearless Lionesses of Morocco.
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