Morocco’s Vilda urges recovery after CAN semi-final heartbreak

Jorge Vilda says Morocco must recover quickly from their African Women’s Cup of Nations semi-final defeat by Cameroon, with the national team now focused on securing third place against Algeria on Saturday.

The Atlas Lionesses were denied a place in a third successive final on Wednesday night after Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses won 3-1 on penalties following a goalless draw at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

Morocco had reached the final at the previous two editions, in 2022 and 2024, but will not have the opportunity to make it three consecutive final appearances on home soil.

Speaking after the match, Morocco head coach Vilda identified a lack of efficiency as the key reason for his side’s elimination.

That wastefulness was highlighted in the 118th minute, when Fatima Tagnaout saw her penalty saved. The forward had been presented with a chance to give Morocco a potentially decisive advantage in the closing stages, but Cameroon goalkeeper’s intervention kept the score level and the tie went to a shootout.

Vilda also felt Cameroon’s physical strength was an important factor, particularly after the interval.

“Cameroon were strong physically, especially in the second half,” said the 45-year-old coach.

Despite the disappointment, Vilda said there was no time for Morocco to dwell on the result. His team will face Algeria in the third-place play-off on Saturday, with Morocco having already beaten them 1-0 in the group stage on 30 July.

The coach believes his players can respond positively to the setback and has set his sights on ending the tournament with a victory.

“The group will overcome this defeat,” he said.

“The most important thing is to support the players so they can get back up. (…) Our objective is to win the third-place match.”

Vilda took charge of Morocco in October 2023 after winning the Women’s World Cup with Spain. However, he has not yet been able to guide the Atlas Lionesses beyond the continental barrier, having failed to lead them to a third consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

With one year remaining on his contract, his position has begun to come under pressure. Some Moroccan media outlets are already calling for him to be dismissed and replaced by Mohamed Amine Alioua.

Alioua has won the CAF Women’s Champions League twice with AS FAR Rabat, in 2022 and 2025. His possible appointment is being discussed as Morocco prepares for the final match of its home tournament, while Vilda attempts to rally his squad for the meeting with Algeria.

The third-place fixture offers Morocco an immediate chance to respond on the pitch, following a semi-final in which missed opportunities and Cameroon’s physical strength ultimately proved decisive.