The head coach of Morocco's national women's football team, Jorge Vilda, praised the potential of the Atlas Lionesses on Friday in Rabat, expressing confidence in their ability to perform strongly at the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (CAN), set to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26, despite what he called «high stakes». Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's opening match against Zambia at Rabat's Olympic Stadium, Vilda said the team has made great strides and is well-prepared for the tournament. «The first match is always crucial for the rest of the competition, but our main goal is to perform well and finish at the top of our group», he stated. «We'll be facing a strong Zambian side that features some of the best players in the tournament». «We are ready to face Zambia and give our all on the pitch», he added, recalling that the Atlas Lionesses reached the final in the previous CAN edition, an achievement he believes has set the stage for continued progress. Team captain Ghizlane Chebbak echoed Vilda's optimism, emphasizing that «through our participation in this edition, we want to showcase the growth and development of women's football in Morocco». She noted that the team has prepared thoroughly and is determined to go far in the competition. «Women's football has come a long way in Morocco thanks to years of hard work, and that motivates us to continue writing its history», she said. «Reaching the final last time gave us valuable experience that we'll carry into this tournament». The Atlas Lionesses are in Group A alongside Zambia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
