Morocco target WAFCON bronze after recovering from Cameroon semi-final heartbreak

Morocco coach Jorge Vilda says the Atlas Lionesses have recovered from the disappointment of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat and are determined to claim the bronze medal against Algeria.

Vilda said Morocco had gradually regained their mental balance after losing to Cameroon on penalties in a dramatic semi-final, with the Spanish coach insisting his players are now focused on ending their home tournament with a victory.

The Atlas Lionesses will face Algeria in the third-place play-off at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 local time.

Vilda praises Morocco’s mental strength

Speaking at a press conference in Rabat on Friday, Vilda admitted that Morocco’s failure to reach the final had been decided by “small details”.

He also acknowledged the difficulty of the penalty shootout, which ended their hopes of reaching the final on home soil.

However, the coach believes his squad has shown the character required to respond positively to the setback.

“The players have great mental strength and a clear desire to finish the competition with a win,” Vilda said.

Vilda also pointed to Morocco’s overall performance in the tournament, noting that the team have played five matches while remaining competitive and producing strong displays at different stages of the competition.

He said the team’s statistics, particularly their defensive record, underline the work and commitment shown by the players throughout the campaign.

Atlas Lionesses want winning finish

With the final now out of reach, Morocco have turned their attention to securing third place and giving their supporters a positive ending to the tournament.

Defender Hanan Ait El Haj said the squad remains united and committed to supporting one another ahead of the decisive encounter.

She stressed that the players are determined to give their best against Algeria and produce a performance that reflects the standards expected of the national team.

For Morocco, the bronze-medal match offers an opportunity to recover some pride after their semi-final disappointment while finishing their home WAFCON campaign on a high.