Morocco aim to end home Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with victory over Algeria

Morocco will seek to finish the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a win and a bronze medal when they face Algeria in the third-place play-off at the Olympic Stadium of Rabat on Saturday.

The Atlas Lionesses were eliminated in the semi-finals, but head coach Jorge Vilda wants his side to move beyond that disappointment and give the Moroccan supporters one final reason to celebrate on home soil.

Vilda admitted that finishing third was not part of Morocco’s original plan. However, after their semi-final exit, he believes the match against Algeria has become an important opportunity for the team to achieve something significant.

“It’s not what we hoped for, nor what we worked hard for, but for us, it is very important for the supporters, for everyone and for the whole country to achieve something new. For me, if we win tomorrow, it will be the best way to finish this competition in these circumstances,” he said.

The Spanish coach also stressed that his players understood how to respond to both success and disappointment. Morocco’s campaign has already secured qualification for next summer’s World Cup, a fact Vilda believes should offer perspective as they prepare for their final match of the tournament.

“My players know what football is. When you win, you go through one phase, and when you do not win, you go through another. But deep down, my players know that we have qualified for the World Cup next summer. The whole of next season and the entire year will be dedicated to preparation,” he explained.

Morocco’s progress to the third-place match means they still have the chance to complete the competition with a medal. The bronze medal was not the initial target, but Vilda now views it as a fresh challenge for his squad.

The backing of the home crowd has been another major source of encouragement throughout the tournament. Morocco’s supporters have played a prominent role during the campaign, and Vilda expects them to provide the same energy against Algeria.

“For the supporters, throughout the whole competition, it was incredible, it was extraordinary. And I expect it, I know, I am sure it will be the same in the last match of this competition. I have no doubt about that,” Vilda said.

With the semi-final disappointment behind them, Morocco will now aim to close their home tournament on a positive note. Victory against Algeria would secure third place, deliver the bronze medal and give the Atlas Lionesses a winning conclusion in front of their own supporters.