Atlas Lionesses Roar: Gearing Up for Ghana Friendly and Beyond
The Moroccan women’s national football team, affectionately known as the Atlas Lionesses, are sharpening their claws at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, near Salé. Their sights are set on two exciting friendlies against Ghana and Haiti, crucial preparation for the upcoming challenges ahead.
Under the watchful eye of Spanish coach Jorge Vilda, the Lionesses are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare to face Ghana this Friday evening at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca. The atmosphere is electric, with the entire squad present and accounted for, including key international players. Tottenham Hotspur forward Rosella Ayane brings her Premier League experience, while the Spanish Liga contingent, spearheaded by captain Ghizlane Chebbak of Levante Las Palmas, adds further firepower. This blend of domestic and international talent creates a dynamic and promising squad.
The second friendly, against Haiti next Tuesday, will also take place at the Père Jégo Stadium. This match offers another valuable opportunity for Vilda to fine-tune his tactics and assess the team’s readiness. These friendlies are not just isolated events; they represent vital stepping stones on the path to a larger goal: the 2025 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON), hosted by Morocco.
The AWCON, scheduled for July 5th to 26th, is a major tournament on the African football calendar. For the Atlas Lionesses, playing on home soil adds an extra layer of significance and pressure. The team will be carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see them succeed on the biggest stage. The recent growth of women’s football in Africa, fueled by increased investment and media attention, makes this AWCON particularly exciting. [Link to a relevant article about the growth of women’s football in Africa, e.g., from FIFA or CAF]. Morocco’s performance in previous AWCON tournaments has been steadily improving, and with the home advantage, they will be aiming to make a deep run. [Link to a resource detailing Morocco’s AWCON history].
The friendlies against Ghana and Haiti provide crucial opportunities for the Lionesses to test themselves against different playing styles. Ghana’s Black Queens are a formidable opponent, consistently ranked among the top teams in Africa. [Link to Ghana’s FIFA ranking]. Haiti, while not traditionally a powerhouse, represents a different tactical challenge and allows the Lionesses to broaden their experience. These matches will be invaluable for Vilda to experiment with formations, assess player combinations, and build team cohesion.
The excitement surrounding the Atlas Lionesses is palpable. Their dedication, combined with the growing support for women’s football in Morocco, creates a sense of optimism and anticipation. These friendlies are not just warm-up games; they are a declaration of intent, a signal that the Lionesses are ready to roar and make their mark on the African football landscape. Follow their journey and witness the rise of a new force in women’s football.
Keywords: Atlas Lionesses, Morocco women’s national football team, Jorge Vilda, Ghana, Haiti, friendly matches, AWCON, Africa Women Cup of Nations, Rosella Ayane, Ghizlane Chebbak, Père Jégo Stadium, Casablanca, Mohammed VI Football Complex, women’s football in Africa.
