Historic Qualification and Remarkable Feat

The Moroccan women's football team has achieved a historic qualification for the round of 16 in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. This remarkable feat was secured by their victory over Colombia in the group stage, earning them a place in the knockout phase. It is worth noting that this achievement is even more impressive considering the elimination of top teams like the United States, Germany, and Brazil. The success of the Moroccan women's team has drawn comparisons to the country's men's team, which had a strong performance in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Growing Support and Challenges Ahead

While the support for the women's team in Morocco is growing, there is still a long way to go. Unlike the widespread celebrations that followed the victories of the men's team in Qatar, the Lionesses' victory was not met with the same level of enthusiasm in the streets. Women's football is still relatively new in Morocco, and the sport has yet to gain the same popularity and acceptance as it has for men. Nevertheless, the progress made by the women's team is undeniable, and credit must be given to Nasser Larguet, the former National Technical Director of Moroccan football, for his efforts.

Revolutionizing Women's Football in Morocco

Nasser Larguet played a crucial role in revolutionizing women's football in Morocco. When he assumed the position of National Technical Director in 2014, women's football was not taken seriously and was often overlooked. Larguet championed the creation of a dedicated commission for women's football, a cause that was supported by Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. This led to significant changes, including the establishment of regional selections for girls and the development of under-17 and under-20 teams.

Nurturing Talent and Success Stories

AS FAR de Rabat, a club that has nurtured several players for the national team, has played a pivotal role in the development of women's football in Morocco. The club has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing talent from a young age, with players starting their training as early as 12 years old. These players undergo rigorous training at the Mohammed VI National Complex near Rabat, with two daily training sessions and dedicated time for education. The progress made by players like Zineb Redouani and Sofia Bouftini, who currently represent Morocco in the World Cup, is a testament to the success of these initiatives.

Anticipation for the Round of 16 and National Pride

As the Moroccan women's team prepares to face France in the round of 16, there is significant interest surrounding the match. The game will be broadcast on M6, allowing fans to witness this historic encounter between the two teams. France, being the top team in their group, is expected to pose a tough challenge for Morocco. However, the Moroccan team has already demonstrated their ability to compete against formidable opponents, having finished ahead of Germany, the second-ranked team in the world, in their group. The success of the Moroccan women's team in the World Cup is a source of pride for the country, showcasing the progress made in women's football in Morocco and the potential for further development in the future.

Words of the day

Qualification : Qualification

Victory : Victoire