The Atlas Lionesses opened their campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Kenya before edging Algeria 1-0 in a tightly contested match. They then closed out the first round of the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Senegal on Monday evening.
Read also : WAFCON 2026: Morocco top group A after Senegal draw, advance to quarterfinals
Although the match ended without goals, Morocco dominated possession and created numerous chances but failed to convert them. After the final whistle, the players welcomed their qualification while acknowledging their shortcomings in front of goal.
Maryame Atiq admitted the team’s finishing lacked precision against Senegal but insisted the squad is ready for the knockout stage.
“In the end, we’re happy. Qualification was important, and we achieved it with a 0-0 draw. But we played this match to win, not to draw,” Atiq said. “We hope to approach the quarterfinal the same way we played against Kenya and Algeria, God willing. We created a lot of chances today but couldn’t score. The most important thing is that we play together, and that will help us in the matches ahead. We’re ready.”
Yasmin Mrabet highlighted the positives from Morocco’s performance, particularly in the opening half.
“We qualified, and that was our first objective,” Mrabet said. “We played well, especially in the first half. We controlled the ball and created chances but couldn’t score. We also missed opportunities we usually convert, including penalties. The most important thing is that we’re through to the quarterfinals.”
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who started against Senegal, said qualification remained the team’s main achievement.
“The most important thing is that we qualified together,” Chebbak said. “It’s a big source of motivation for us. We’ll celebrate today and, starting tomorrow, we’ll focus on the next match.”
Despite Morocco’s dominance, Chebbak acknowledged the team’s lack of efficiency against a well-organized Senegal side.
“They were defensively solid, but we had enough chances to make the difference. We weren’t clinical in front of goal, but we’ll work on that ahead of the next matches,” she said.
Chebbak, who became the first player to reach 100 international appearances for the Atlas Lionesses, also reflected on the milestone.
“It’s the result of many years of hard work, and it has also given me greater responsibility,” she said. “I work closely with the coaching staff to stay in top condition and help the team. I hope to continue doing that.”
Having finished as Group A winners, Morocco will face the runner-up of Group B — Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, or Tanzania — in the quarterfinals on Saturday, August 8, at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
