Morocco women prepare for Uzbekistan friendly as new coach Eric Blahic begins first camp

Morocco’s women’s national team have called up 31 players for two friendly matches against Uzbekistan as new head coach Eric Blahic begins his first international camp in charge.

The Atlas Lionesses will face Uzbekistan on Friday, 9 October, at 20:00 at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat before meeting the same opponents again on Monday, 12 October, at 18:00 at Al Madina Stadium.

Experienced names included

The squad combines established Morocco internationals with players based at clubs across Europe.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak is included alongside fellow experienced players Ibtissam Jraidi, Nouhaila Benzina, Elodie Nakkach, Yasmin Mrabet, Sakina Ouzraoui and Khadija Errmichi.

Several Morocco players currently playing outside the country have also been selected.

Zineb Redouani, who plays for Badalona, Paris FC’s Hajar Said, Utrecht’s Melek Hader, Real Madrid’s Yasmin Zouhir and Barcelona’s Kaoutar Azraf are among those included.

Blahic begins new chapter

The Uzbekistan fixtures represent Blahic’s first international window since his appointment as Morocco head coach.

The Frenchman was brought in following Jorge Vilda’s departure and is now overseeing preparations as Morocco begin a new phase under his leadership.

The 61-year-old has extensive experience in French club football and has also worked with the France women’s national team, including at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Two matches in four days

The back-to-back fixtures will give Blahic and his coaching staff an early opportunity to assess the squad against the same opposition twice.

Morocco will host Uzbekistan in both encounters, with the first match taking place at Moulay El Hassan Stadium before the teams meet again three days later at Al Madina Stadium.

The FRMF has also arranged an open training session for the media on Thursday at Moulay El Hassan Stadium.

Journalists will be allowed to attend the opening 15 minutes of the session, which begins at 18:00.

The two friendlies form part of Morocco’s preparations for their next competitive challenges as Blahic begins his work with a squad containing a mixture of experienced internationals and emerging players