The Moroccan U20 women’s national team is set to make its debut in the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, with a formidable squad that includes players from top European clubs like Barcelona, Lyon, and Lens. Drawn in Group C, the Atlas Lionesses face a challenging path as they prepare to take on defending champions Spain, three-time winners the United States, and Paraguay in the group stage.
On Wednesday, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced the official roster of 21 players, along with three reserves, selected for the prestigious tournament.
The list was compiled by head coach Jorge Vilda, who will also oversee the U20 team in addition to his duties with the senior squad.
The Moroccan squad is heavily bolstered by expatriate talent, with eight players currently plying their trade in France.
Among them are Ines Souifi from Colomiers, Fatima El Ghazouani from RC Lens, Hajar Said from Girondins de Bordeaux, Siham Bouhouch from RC Strasbourg, Maissen Bourhrine from Olympique Lyonnais, Djennah Cherif from Thonon Evian Geneva, Lina Laetitia Farida Aich from Stade de Reims, and Sofia Boussate from Montpellier.
In addition to the French contingent, the team also features Kautar Azraf from Barcelona and Yasmin Zouhir from Real Betis Balompié in Spain.
The squad’s international diversity continues with goalkeeper Anissa Rouinba from FC Koln in Germany, Kawtar Ait Omar from Genk in Belgium, Romaissa Boukakar from AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, and reserve player Ameerah Jo Maamry from Louisville in the United States.
The tournament, hosted in Colombia, kicks off for Morocco on September 1st with a match against Paraguay.
The team will then face the United States on September 4th, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Spain on September 7th.
All three of Morocco’s group stage matches are scheduled to be held at the Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali.
This World Cup marks a historic first for the Moroccan U20 women’s team, as they make their debut on the global stage.
The squad’s composition reflects the growing strength and ambition of Moroccan women’s football, with players from some of Europe’s most competitive leagues bringing experience and skill to the team.
Coach Jorge Vilda’s selection demonstrates a strategic blend of domestic and international talent, aimed at navigating a tough group that includes two of the tournament’s powerhouses.
The inclusion of players from clubs like Barcelona and Lyon signals Morocco’s intent to compete at the highest level and make a mark in their inaugural appearance.
As the Atlas Lionesses prepare to take on some of the world’s best teams, their journey in Colombia will not only be a test of their footballing abilities but also a milestone in the development of women’s football in Morocco.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this young and dynamic team steps onto the world stage, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see its stars shine.
اللائحة النهائية لمنتخبنا الوطني النسوي لأقل من 20 سنة المستدعاة لكأس العالم للسيدات تحت 20 سنة FIFA كولومبيا 2024 🇨🇴
🚨Your squad list is ready for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 pic.twitter.com/ENsGtO7gEb
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) August 21, 2024
