WAFCON 2026: Morocco Women’s coach Jorge Vilda backs team to reach final

The head coach of the Morocco women’s national football team, Jorge Vilda Rodriguez, has expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to reach the final of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking on Thursday evening in Rabat during a training session at the “City” stadium ahead of a friendly against Burkina Faso women’s national football team, Vilda emphasised the dedication and intensity of the team’s preparations.

“The players are working hard, and the training sessions are intensive, not only on the grounds of the stadium, but also inside the gym,” he said, adding that “the atmosphere is positive within this training camp. The players are focused and enthusiastic.”

On the upcoming friendlies against Burkina Faso, Vilda highlighted their importance for Africa Cup of Nations readiness.

“Burkina Faso is a tough opponent, and the time is right to prepare well in order to win,” he said.

Team captain Ghizlane Chebbak acknowledged the challenge posed by the friendlies, describing them as “difficult” matches against a team that also qualified for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, but added that it is “a good opportunity to compete against a strong team.”

Forward Hanane Ait El Haj echoed the sentiment, noting that “preparations are going well for the match against Burkina Faso. Work is focused on the small details and we will follow the instructions of the technical staff to be fully prepared” for the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

She added that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation “has harnessed all means for ideal preparation, and we will do everything we can to live up to expectations.”

The Moroccan women’s national team recently began a training camp at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, Salé, with 32 players invited to participate as they gear up for upcoming competitions, with the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals their primary focus.