Morocco 5-0 Cape Verde: Mssoudy hat-trick fires hosts to emphatic WAFCON statement win

Morocco delivered a powerful warning to their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) rivals with a 5-0 demolition of Cape Verde in Casablanca, in their final warm-up match before hosting the 2026 tournament.

The Lionesses of the Atlas, runners-up at the last two editions, produced a dominant display at Stade Pere Jego on Tuesday 21 July, in a result that will only raise expectations ahead of a home campaign they hope will end in a first continental title.

Ruthless showing in final rehearsal

From the opening minutes, Morocco seized control of the friendly, pinning Cape Verde back and dictating the tempo.

Forward Ibtissam Jraidi broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, setting the tone for a one-sided evening. Her opener rewarded Morocco’s early pressure and settled any nerves in front of the home crowd.

Just before half-time, Sanaa Mssoudy doubled the advantage with a deft lob, rounding off an impressive individual move to put Jorge Vilda’s side firmly in command at the interval.

Mssoudy hat-trick lights up Casablanca

If the first half underlined Morocco’s superiority, the second turned into the Sanaa Mssoudy show.

The FAR Rabat striker struck twice in quick succession after the break, netting in the 61st and 64th minutes to complete a clinical hat-trick. Her treble ignited the Casablanca supporters and underlined her status as one of the key attacking threats heading into the tournament.

Described as the undisputed star of the night, Mssoudy’s movement, finishing and confidence in front of goal highlighted why Morocco will look to her for inspiration when the stakes rise in the coming days.

Defence joins the party

Morocco’s dominance was not confined to the forwards. With Cape Verde struggling to create chances, the hosts’ back line enjoyed a largely comfortable evening while still making its mark at the other end.

Defender Yasmine M’Rabet added further gloss to the scoreline in the 84th minute, scoring the fifth goal after a superb first touch that wrong-footed the Cape Verde goalkeeper. Her strike capped a complete team performance and underlined the balance in Vilda’s squad between defensive solidity and attacking flair.

Hosts target historic title on home soil

This emphatic victory closes Morocco’s preparation phase on a high note, giving coach Jorge Vilda and his players momentum and confidence as they turn their focus to the opening match of the 2026 WAFCON, which will be staged on home soil.

Having reached the final in 2022 against South Africa and again in 2025 against Nigeria, the Lionesses of the Atlas have established themselves as one of the continent’s leading sides. Those near misses have only sharpened their determination to go one step further.

With a prolific forward in Mssoudy, the experience of Jraidi, contributions from the back through players such as M’Rabet, and the advantage of playing in front of home supporters, Morocco head into the tournament with what they see as a genuine opportunity to claim a maiden African crown.

As the countdown to kick-off continues, this 5-0 rout of Cape Verde will resonate across the continent as a clear statement of intent from the hosts of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.