Morocco and Zambia battle to a thrilling draw in WAFCON opener

Monday 07 July 2025 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco and Zambia battle to a thrilling draw in WAFCON opener

Morocco’s women’s national team launched their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a fiercely contested 2-2 draw against Zambia on Saturday. The match showcased determination and tactical prowess from both sides, setting the stage for a promising tournament.

After the final whistle, Morocco’s head coach, Jorge Vilda, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, praising their ability to compete against a strong Zambian side. “The players maintained a high rhythm, especially in the second half,” Vilda remarked. “The substitutions were crucial in helping us recover and level the score. This team will grow stronger with every match.”

Far from expressing disappointment, Vilda viewed the result as a positive start. “A draw is a good result,” he emphasized. “It gives us a solid foundation to build on as we aim for victories in the coming matches.”

Zambia’s head coach, Nora Häuptle, shared her perspective on the hard-fought encounter, acknowledging her team’s missed opportunities while commending Morocco’s second-half resurgence. “We had our chances, but managing our strong moments remains an area to improve,” Häuptle said. She also praised Morocco’s ability to control possession late in the game, which allowed them to equalize.

The high-intensity clash reflected the quality of both squads and the competitive nature of the tournament. Both teams will now turn their focus to future matches, seeking to capitalize on the momentum gained from this gripping opener.