Chebbak’s historic Morocco milestone comes amid surprise Women’s AFCON bench role

Ghizlane Chebbak has reached 100 appearances for Morocco during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, but the landmark has come during an unfamiliar spell on the substitutes’ bench for one of the country’s most influential players.

The 35-year-old captain, widely regarded as a defining figure in Moroccan women’s football, did not start either of Morocco’s opening two matches at the tournament. Instead, coach Jorge Vilda has appeared to favour 18-year-old midfielder Kautar Azraf, who was developed at FC Barcelona.

It represents a significant change for Chebbak, who has long been an automatic choice for the Atlas Lionesses. She won the African Ballon d’Or in 2025, was named in the FIFPRO World 11 in the same year and finished as the leading scorer at both the 2022 and 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Her influence, however, has not disappeared. Chebbak was introduced during Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Algeria, reaching a century of international appearances in the process. She became the first Moroccan female player to achieve the feat, almost two decades after making her international debut in 2007.

The milestone underlined her contribution to the rise of the Atlas Lionesses. Chebbak has been part of the team’s progress throughout the modern era, including their runs to the finals of the 2022 and 2024 editions of the tournament.

Although her position in the starting line-up has changed, her importance within the squad remains clear.

Vilda praised the effect of her introduction against Algeria, saying it brought greater calm and balance to Morocco’s performance. The Spanish coach valued Chebbak’s ability to help the team manage a tense closing period against a well-organised Algerian side.

Chebbak’s response to her reduced role has also been notable. Despite remaining a senior figure in the dressing room and retaining the captaincy, she has accepted that she is no longer guaranteed a starting place and has continued to contribute without creating disruption within the group.

Her next opportunity could come in Morocco’s meeting with Senegal, which will provide another indication of whether Vilda intends to restore her to the starting XI or continue with Azraf in midfield.

For now, Chebbak is experiencing an unusual Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She has had less time on the pitch than in previous tournaments, but her status as a national football icon remains undiminished. Her 100th cap, achieved as a substitute, offered another reminder of the role she has played in Morocco’s development and of the experience she continues to bring to the Atlas Lionesses.