After their emphatic opening-day win over Kenya, Jorge Vilda’s side claimed a second consecutive victory by edging Algeria 1-0 on Thursday, July 30, at Moulay El Hassan Stadium, putting themselves on the verge of qualifying for the quarterfinals.
The North African derby was attended by several football officials, including Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Morocco men’s national team head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, and assistant coach João Sacramento.
The first half was closely contested, with Morocco creating several chances but failing to break the deadlock.
Algeria showed greater attacking intent after the break but rarely tested goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. Morocco gradually regained control of the match but struggled to convert its dominance into goals.
The breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute when Sanaa Mssoudy found the net. Set up by Hanane Aït El Haj, the Moroccan forward raced through on goal before calmly slotting the ball past the Algerian goalkeeper to seal victory for the Atlas Lionesses.
Morocco will face Senegal in its final Group A match on Monday, August 3, at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. local time. The Atlas Lionesses will be aiming to finish top of the group.
In the other Group A fixture, Senegal defeated Kenya 1-0 at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.
