Ghizlane Chebbak has promised that Morocco will deliver a strong performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as the Atlas Lionesses aim to underline the rapid growth of women’s football in the country.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of Morocco’s opening Group A fixture, the national team captain stressed the squad’s readiness and determination to leave a lasting mark on this year’s tournament.
Morocco have been drawn alongside Zambia, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo in what is expected to be a highly competitive group.
Chebbak, who plies her trade with Levante in Spain’s top division, expressed optimism about the team’s chances and highlighted the progress Morocco has made in developing the women’s game.
“Our preparations have gone very well, and every player is ready to give her all for the team,” said the 34-year-old midfielder. “We are determined to put in a performance that reflects the quality and growth of women’s football in Morocco.”
She added that the team’s journey to the final in the previous edition of the tournament had served as a vital source of experience and belief for the squad, many of whom return with added maturity and a clear sense of ambition.
“Getting to the final last time gave us confidence and taught us a lot,” she said. “That success has inspired us to work even harder, and we now have a greater responsibility to show how far women’s football in Morocco has come.”
Chebbak also acknowledged the role of long-term investment and planning in the national team’s recent rise. She credited the Moroccan football authorities for their sustained commitment to building a solid foundation for women’s football, which has resulted in growing infrastructure, improved coaching, and increased opportunities for young players.
“Women’s football in Morocco is experiencing remarkable development thanks to the serious and structured work being done behind the scenes,” she explained. “That motivates us even more to honour our nation and continue making history.”
Morocco’s appearance at the 2024 tournament follows their historic campaign in the previous edition, where they reached the final on home soil before losing narrowly to South Africa.
That run captured national attention and marked a turning point for the women’s game in the country, leading to increased support and a new wave of interest from aspiring young footballers.
Now, with the eyes of the continent once again focused on the competition, Chebbak and her teammates are eager to prove that their past success was no coincidence. The team enters the tournament with renewed belief and a shared goal of going one step further.
As Morocco prepares for its opening match in Group A, Chebbak’s leadership will be central to their efforts. Her experience, both domestically and internationally, remains a key asset for a side seeking to balance ambition with composure.
With the tournament now underway, all attention turns to the pitch, where Morocco hopes to demonstrate not only their tactical and technical progress but also the depth of their ambition.
For Chebbak and her teammates, the 2024 Women’s AFCON is more than a competition—it’s an opportunity to define the future of women’s football in their country.
