Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses beat Uzbekistan 3-1 as Jraidi nets hat-trick

Ibtissam Jraidi scored a hat-trick as Morocco’s women’s national team defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in a friendly on Friday, giving new head coach Eric Blahic a winning start in charge of the Atlas Lionesses.

The match was played behind closed doors at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on 9 October, with Jraidi scoring all three of Morocco’s goals in the second half.

The striker found the net in the 65th, 67th and 79th minutes, completing a 14-minute scoring burst that secured victory for the hosts in Blahic’s first match since succeeding Spanish coach Jorge Vilda.

Jraidi leads Morocco to victory

After a goalless opening period, Jraidi took centre stage with three goals in quick succession to put Morocco in control of the contest.

Her performance ensured the Atlas Lionesses began their new coaching era with a positive result as they continue preparations for upcoming international commitments.

The victory also gives Blahic an encouraging start as he works to shape the team ahead of a busy period for Moroccan women’s football.

Olympic qualification preparations continue

Morocco are preparing for upcoming competitions, including the African qualifying campaign for the women’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

FIFA has informed the Royal Moroccan Football Federation that the Atlas Lionesses have advanced directly to the third round of the African qualifiers following the withdrawal of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to an announcement by the Congolese Football Federation.

The development provides Morocco with a clearer path in their Olympic qualifying campaign as preparations continue.

Second friendly scheduled for Monday

Morocco and Uzbekistan are scheduled to meet again on Monday, 12 October, in a second friendly in Rabat.

The match is set to kick off at 18:00 local time and will provide Blahic with another opportunity to assess his squad as the Atlas Lionesses build towards their upcoming challenges.