Hours before the kick-off of the women’s African Cup of Nations (CAN) final between Morocco and South Africa, Moroccan fans began to flock to the sports complex early on Saturday. Prince Moulay Abdellah of Rabat who will host this historic final.
The Moroccan public holds its breath before this highly anticipated final, where the Atlas Lionesses will be called upon to write a new page in the glorious history of national football. Thus, after the feat of Ahmad Faras’ teammates in 1976, it is the turn of Rizlane Chebbak and colleagues to climb to the top step of the podium in this prestigious women’s competition.
In Rabat, City of Light par excellence, all roads lead to the Prince Moulay Abdellah sports complex, especially since the fans of the Atlas Lionesses, men and women and all age categories combined, wore the the national team and booked their place early in the stadium, which is sure to see a record number of spectators.
Coming from different cities of the Kingdom, the Moroccan supporters began their parade in the morning in the capital Rabat and the compound of the complex, brandishing the national flag and chanting slogans to the glory of the Moroccan selection.
Four hours before the kick-off of this meeting, the Prince Moulay Abdellah sports complex is filled to around 25 pc, especially as the supporters, who hope to celebrate the final victory of the national team, continue to flock to the stadium undeterred by the heat and driven by their undying love for the Lionesses.
The factors of the field and the public will certainly play in favor of the protégés of Reynald Pedros and will be an additional motivation to win the continental title, in particular after beating the Nigerians in the semi-finals.
In this regard, the goalkeeper of the Moroccan women’s team, Khadija Er-Rmichi, said in statements to the press that the group has been eager for this title for years, noting that the interest of the Royal Federation association of football and the means put in place have largely contributed to the development of women’s football in Morocco.
“The final is won and not played. South Africa showed a good level and the match will be played between two strong teams. We will defend our chances and play this game, like the other games, with great concentration. she added.
For his part, the national coach, Reynald Pedros noted that “ South Africa are a good team and this match will be a good final. Every match has been difficult since the start of the CAN. We hope to play well and win.”
Reynald Pedros did not hide his fascination with Moroccan supporters and their role in qualifying, noting that “it’s an incomparable feeling when you feel all this enthusiasm, and the people who support us. I think the number of supporters was around 50,000 and in all honesty, it was great”.
Moroccan supporters will undoubtedly cross the 50,000 mark to achieve a new record in the history of women’s football in Africa, knowing that entry is free for this final.
One thing is certain, the 2022 edition of the women’s CAN will have a new winner. Nigeria, who finished in 4th place behind Zambia, won 11 out of 13 continental titles. Equatorial Guinea won the other two.
The way thus seems to be clear for a first Moroccan coronation in women’s CAN. Go Lionesses!
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