2024 WAFCON: Morocco coach Jorge Vilda Rodriguez announces squad ahead of tournament

Spanish tactician Jorge Vilda Rodriguez, head coach of the Moroccan women’s national football team, has unveiled his final 26-player squad for the upcoming 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to be hosted in Morocco from July 5 to 26.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Vilda revealed that the squad selection was the result of rigorous monitoring, with over 100 players observed across various competitions and training camps.

He emphasized that the chosen players represent a competitive and cohesive unit capable of making an impact on home soil.

Vilda praised the growing quality of women’s football in Africa and acknowledged Namibia, Morocco’s opening match opponent, as a strong side featuring several U.S.-based professionals. He noted that physicality remains a key factor in African competitions.

“The biggest pressure doesn’t come from outside—it comes from the players’ awareness of the responsibility they carry,” Vilda said.

He commended the work of his technical and medical teams for significantly improving the squad’s physical and mental condition during preparations.

Morocco warmed up for the tournament with two friendly victories—beating Cape Verde 1-0 and Malawi 4-2 on June 15 and 19, respectively.

“We are following a clear strategy with a unified and focused group,” Vilda added. “Our players are determined to give their all to win the title and meet the expectations of Moroccan fans.”

Vilda also dismissed concerns about increased pressure from the success of other Moroccan national teams, saying it instead serves as motivation.

“The achievements of other Moroccan squads inspire us and affirm that winning is possible. We’re proud to be part of this ambitious national football movement,” he concluded.

Morocco were runners-up in the previous edition in 2022, falling short to South Africa in the final.

Squad below:

• Goalkeepers: Khadija Er-Rmichi, Hind Hasnaoui, Fatima Zahra Jabroui, Ines Arwisa

• Defenders: Hanane Ait El Haj, Zineb Redouani, Sabah Seghir, Aziza Rabbah, Nahla Benzina, Siham Boukhami, Yasmine Mrabet, Samia Haddi

• Midfielders: Ghizlane Chebbak, Najat Badri, Elodie Nakkach, Salma Amani Boukerch, Anissa Lahmari, Sarah Kassi, Iman El Ghazouani, Sanaa El Mesoudi

• Forwards: Fatima Zahra Tagnaout, Sakina Ouzraoui, Rania Boutib, Iman Saud, Ibtissam Jraidi, Kenza Chapelle