Just days before the tournament kicks off in Morocco on July 26 and runs until August 16, the national team delivered an emphatic display, with Sanaa Mssoudy scoring three times.
Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute through Ibtissam Jraïdi. A few minutes later, Mssoudy doubled the advantage after a fine individual move, finishing with a delicate lob over the goalkeeper.
The Atlas Lionesses remained in control after the break and continued to threaten going forward. Mssoudy struck twice more in the second half to complete her hat-trick.
Defender Yasmin Mrabet added Morocco’s fifth goal in the 85th minute. After an excellent first touch, she calmly placed the ball into the right side of the net.
The Atlas Lionesses have been drawn in Group A for the Women’s AFCON, where they will open their campaign against Kenya on Sunday, July 26. They will then face Algeria on Thursday, July 30, before concluding the group stage against Senegal on Monday, August 3.
After finishing runners-up in the last two editions—losing to South Africa in 2022 and Nigeria in 2025—Jorge Vilda’s side will be aiming to secure the first continental title in the history of Moroccan women’s football.
