The Moroccan women’s national team will host Malawi on Thursday evening in an international friendly as part of their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. local time (GMT+1) at the Stade Municipal de Kénitra.
The match will be broadcast in Morocco on Arryadia, though confirmation is pending.
Fans in France and Malawi can tune in at 9:30 p.m. local time.
With the AFCON set to begin on July 5, this fixture represents a crucial opportunity for head coach Jorge Vilda to fine-tune his squad.
Morocco, who will be hosting the continental tournament, are aiming to sharpen their approach and maintain momentum heading into what could be a historic campaign.
Fresh from a narrow 1-0 win over Cape Verde in Salé, the Atlas Lionesses are expected to make several adjustments to the starting line-up.
Striker Ibtissam Jraidi, who came off the bench to score the winner in that fixture, is likely to be rewarded with a place in the starting XI against Malawi.
Similarly, Fatima Tagnaout, another second-half substitute in the last match, could be given a starting role to build chemistry with the established core.
These changes are part of Vilda’s broader plan to solidify squad cohesion and test different tactical variations before the tournament opener.
However, not all players may benefit from rotation.
التحضيرات متواصلة لمواجهة مالاوي ودياً
Preparing for our next friendly game against Malawi 🇲🇦⚡🇲🇼#DimaMaghrib pic.twitter.com/2qSsQ8vlwr
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) June 17, 2025
Young forward Kenza Chapelle, who struggled to impose herself in the previous match, may find herself starting from the bench unless the coaching staff opts to give the 22-year-old Strasbourg player another opportunity to prove herself.
For Malawi, the match presents a valuable chance to measure themselves against one of the tournament’s host nations and build experience on the international stage.
While they may be considered underdogs, they are expected to offer a spirited challenge to Morocco, who will be under pressure to deliver a convincing performance in front of their home fans.
This friendly carries more than just tactical weight—it is a test of readiness, rhythm, and resilience for Morocco as they count down to their first match in the continental showpiece.
A strong display will go a long way in boosting confidence and consolidating belief within the squad as they prepare for what could be a landmark tournament on home soil.
