For Abdeslam Tahir, the Atlas Lionesses have all the ingredients needed to win their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations this year. In an exclusive interview with Le360 Sport, the Wydad women’s head coach said the Moroccan national team has reached a new level collectively and tactically, while urging the players to maintain their unity ahead of the knockout stage.
Before discussing the WAFCON, Tahir reflected on his first season in charge of Wydad’s women’s team. Despite finishing third in the league, he described the campaign as a positive one, marked by the implementation of a demanding methodology, an attacking style of play, a run of 10 wins in 11 matches during the first half of the season, and the development of several players, some of whom earned places in Morocco’s national teams.
Asked about Morocco’s opening victories over Kenya and Algeria, Tahir first praised the team’s collective strength.
“This is a national team that projects calm, courage, and solidarity. There were concerns that we might have excellent individual players who struggled to perform as a team, but that hasn’t been the case at all. You really get the feeling you’re watching a team that plays together and defends together,” he said.
For the Wydad coach, the two matches demonstrated Morocco’s ability to respond to different scenarios. After a composed opening win against Kenya, the Atlas Lionesses confirmed their tactical maturity in the derby victory over Algeria.
“It was a very tactical match where attention to detail was evident. We saw proactive players and a team capable of adapting. The start has been promising, but we must avoid becoming the disappointment of this AFCON,” he warned.
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Having finished runners-up in the previous two editions, Morocco now has all the qualities needed to win a first continental title, according to Tahir.
“Today, we don’t fear the game. The group is more united, more cohesive, and has a better understanding of its playing philosophy. The players are capable of adapting to different match situations. Those are all the ingredients needed to win the ultimate prize,” he said.
While expressing confidence, the coach also stressed the importance of remaining humble. He noted that the knockout rounds would present an entirely different challenge, with every opponent determined to stand in Morocco’s way.
“We haven’t won anything yet. Our opponents will adapt, and knockout matches require an even greater level of tactical and mental control. The enthusiasm must be matched by technical precision if we’re to win this title,” he said.
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Tahir also spoke about the development of women’s football across Africa, which he believes has continued to improve significantly. He particularly highlighted the work carried out in Morocco by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, clubs, and technical staff.
“The level has risen very quickly. The introduction of a high-performance methodology, with greater demands and discipline, has accelerated the development of Moroccan women’s football. Today, Morocco proudly represents Africa and the Maghreb. You don’t reach two consecutive finals by chance,” he said.
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Looking ahead, the Wydad coach said Moroccan women’s football must continue raising its standards tactically, technically, and methodologically.
“The players have made tremendous progress physically, mentally, and technically. Coaching staffs are also constantly striving for better performance. The future of Moroccan women’s football depends on setting even higher standards to optimize both individual and collective performance,” he concluded.
