Vilda under fire as Morocco’s home Women’s AFCON campaign ends without a medal

Criticism has intensified around Jorge Vilda after Morocco were beaten by Algeria in the third-place play-off at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, with the coach being held chiefly responsible for his side’s latest disappointment.

Morocco’s Lionesses of the Atlas became the first host nation in the history of the Women’s AFCON to finish without a medal on home soil. After reaching the final in both 2022 and 2024, Morocco missed the opportunity to salvage their campaign with bronze when Algeria prevailed 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Stade Olympique de Rabat on Saturday.

The result adds to the pressure on Vilda, who was already facing scrutiny following Morocco’s semi-final defeat by Cameroon on 12 August. That match also ended goalless before Cameroon won 3-1 on penalties.

Vilda has now been labelled the main culprit by several Moroccan observers. Journalist Dounia Mesli described his coaching as “disastrous and completely incoherent”, while also accusing the Spanish manager of appearing particularly “passive and reactive” during the match.

The criticism has extended beyond his substitutions and tactical decisions. Football insider Youssef argued that Morocco lacked a clear playing identity, intensity and desire on the pitch. He also questioned Vilda’s work in scouting and integrating dual-nationality players.

Those concerns have led to wider doubts about the project overseen by the former Spain manager, who succeeded Reynald Pedros. The issue, according to his critics, is no longer limited to the outcome of one tournament but concerns the direction of the national team as a whole.

KoraMaroc was equally scathing in its assessment. The specialist account said Vilda “clearly did not respect Morocco”, while pointing to “zero progress” and claiming the team had lost its harmony.

It also questioned whether the coach’s results represented an adequate return for his “comfortable salary”, the “perfect working conditions” available to him and the “time to build” that he has been given.

Vilda arrived in October 2023 after winning the Women’s World Cup with Spain. However, he was unable to guide Morocco to the title at the previous Women’s AFCON, with the team losing in last year’s final.

The 54-year-old remains under contract until 2027, but the latest setback has raised the possibility that he may not remain in the job until the end of his agreement.

Morocco had hoped their status as hosts would help them improve on their two consecutive final appearances. Instead, defeat by Algeria leaves them without a medal and intensifies the debate over whether Vilda is the right manager to lead the next phase of the team’s development.