Latest news with #AtlasLionesses
CAF
13 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
Nawal El Moutawakel: "I hope the Women's AFCON will strengthen the place of women in sports."
A global sports icon, Nawal El Moutawakel continues to blaze trails for women, forty years after her Olympic triumph. As the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024 approaches, she reflects on the impact of this tournament for Morocco and Africa With emotion, commitment, and clarity, Africa's first Olympic champion delivers a powerful message: believing in Africa's girls is an investment in the future. On August 8, 1984, in Los Angeles, a young Moroccan woman made history. In 54.61 seconds (an Olympic record at the time), Nawal El Moutawakel became the first African, Arab, and Muslim woman to win Olympic gold. The women's 400m hurdles had just made its Olympic debut — and Africa, its breakthrough. It was more than just a medal: it was an earthquake. A victory in uncharted territory that would pave the way for generations. Since that day, Nawal El Moutawakel has never run alone. Forty years later, the former champion has become one of the most influential figures in global sports. Minister, ambassador, vice president of the International Olympic Committee — she has always upheld the cause of women's sports with the same fire she once carried on the track as a pioneer. And now, the story continues where it all began. The TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations is returning to Morocco — the country where her first dreams, her first achievements, and her first strides began. On the very soil that saw her groundbreaking steps, Morocco now celebrates, through this competition, the values she has always stood for: ambition, courage, belief in youth and in the future. Far from the athletics track but still at the heart of the action, Nawal El Moutawakel reconnects with the energy of the field alongside the Atlas Lionesses. For her, sport is a promise — of empowerment, upliftment, and ever-expanding horizons for all the girls of the continent. In this interview, Nawal El Moutawakel shares what the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON means for her country, for African women, and for herself. How do you feel seeing a major women's tournament like the AFCON take place in your country? Nawal El Moutawakel: It's an immense source of pride to see the Women's Africa Cup of Nations held in my country, Morocco. It sends a strong message of progress and commitment to sports in general and women's sports in particular. It shows that Morocco is moving toward more equality and equity, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has given a strong push to the advancement of women. You are a pioneer of Moroccan and African women's sport. What has driven you throughout your journey? Sport has given me so much: discipline, rigor, determination, passion — but above all, the belief that women have a rightful place in sports, at every level. I've always believed that with willpower, barriers can be overcome. The 400m hurdles at the 1984 Olympics remains iconic. How did that moment change your life? It was a turning point. That historic victory thrust me onto the international stage, but more importantly, it gave hope and dreams to thousands of young girls and women in Morocco, Africa, and the Arab world. It became much more than a medal — it was a powerful message. You became a symbol of empowerment for a whole generation and beyond. Was that a responsibility you took on quickly? Yes. I realized very early on that my unusual path could serve others. I embraced that responsibility with pride, seriousness, humility, and awareness. How was your Olympic win perceived in Morocco at the time? It was received with immense emotion. It was a first for the country — and for a woman! I felt an incredible wave of love, pride, and admiration from Moroccans. It marked an entire generation. As a Minister, IOC vice president, and dedicated ambassador — why has sport always been the thread running through your work? Sport made me who I am today. It impacted my life deeply, and I wanted to use my experience to serve others, defend causes, and promote the noble values and ideals of sport worldwide. I quickly understood the magical power of sport — it's a universal language, a tool for empowerment, diplomacy, and development. What are your expectations for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON, both in terms of sports and societal impact? Like all Moroccans, I'm hoping for a high-level, competitive, and spectacular tournament. I hope it helps shift mindsets, strengthens the place of women in sports, and inspires future generations. You've always defended the role of women in sport. What does this tournament mean in that context? I believe Morocco being chosen to host the Women's AFCON is a wise decision. Our women's team has already proven they are capable and talented. I'm confident they will rise to the challenge and show that they too carry important messages — of equal opportunity and fairness. As a prominent figure, will you be actively involved during the tournament? Absolutely. I'll be in the stands among thousands of spectators, supporting and encouraging our women's team, which will need all our support to move forward. I should mention that as a young girl, I played football before athletics. So football has a special place in my heart. Can we hope that this WAFCON inspires future Nawal El Moutawakels in football? That's exactly what I hope! That this AFCON becomes a source of dreams and ambition for all young girls passionate about sport. Women's football has a bright future, thanks to the push from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), led by Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, whose leadership, strategic vision, and sound governance have continuously impressed us. The results speak for themselves, especially the historic performance at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. What are Moroccan fans expecting from the Atlas Lionesses? The public expects fighting spirit, pride, and hopefully a historic run! But beyond results, it's about representing the country with dignity and writing a new page in our sports history. In one sentence, what message would you like to send to Africa on the occasion of the 2024 Women's AFCON? That Africa should believe in its daughters, support them, celebrate them, and guide them to the top — because their success is the success of the whole continent. The slogan of this year's Women's AFCON is 'Born Winners.' What does that mean to you? This slogan honours those women who, from a young age, carry within them a fierce determination to become extraordinary figures capable of pushing boundaries. Through it, an entire generation of African sportswomen is being celebrated: fighters, role models for future generations. Photo credit: International Olympic Committee (IOC)
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Jorge Vilda (Morocco): "It's a privilege to have the pressure'
World champion with Spain in 2023, Jorge Vilda is now aiming for continental title with Morocco The coach of the Atlas Lionesses is building a solid squad ahead of a home TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON High standards, player-management and measured ambition: the Vilda method to mark the history of Moroccan women's football He never talks about dreams. Only commitment, method and conquest. In Jorge Vilda, Morocco has found a coach with an unrivalled record, world champion with Spain in 2023, but above all a builder. Since last November, the former coach of the women's Roja has been in charge of the Atlas Lionesses with the same obsession: to boost the fortunes of a Moroccan football team that is on the rise, a silver medallist on the continent stage in 2022 and eighth finalist of the last World Cup. With just a few weeks to go before the start of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024, Vilda is aware of the magnitude of the challenge. He does not shy away. Realistic about the challenge in Group A – Zambia, DR Congo, Senegal – the Spaniard knows that the expectation is immense. But he prefers to talk about privilege. "It's not a negative pressure. It's a huge desire to do well,' he said. The 43-year-old technician was quickly taken with the Moroccan project. "I felt a real desire to develop women's football. I was given the means, I was able to build my staff, and the reception was exceptional.' Since then, he has patiently woven a close-knit, cosmopolitan collective, made up of players from different leagues. "They are the ones who facilitate everything. They are totally committed to the jersey,' he says of his players. Vilda claims a player-management style based on connection, respect, and high standards. A family that he hopes will be supported by Moroccan fans at the July 5-26 tournament. "What I can guarantee is that our players will fight for every ball," he says. The promise is clear: no empty dreams, but concrete, sweat, ambition, and a TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON to conquer, finally. Even before the kick-off of the tournament, what is your view not only on the competition itself, but also on African women's football in general? Jorge Vilda: African football has immense potential. We have been working here in Morocco for almost two years and we have been playing against African teams. We are seeing real progress. Everything is more and more balanced. The teams are preparing better, the national competitions are improving, the teams have better technical staff who help them to progress. We see more organized teams and, above all, with enormous physical potential. There are also many players playing in the best leagues in the world, which clearly makes the difference, both for club and country. Before taking charge of the Moroccan national team, you were coach of Spain, world champions. How does this experience influence your work with Morocco today? Winning a FIFA Women's World Cup is the result of the work of many people over many years. Personally, I spent 17 years in the Spanish national teams. I started in the youth categories, first as a physical trainer, then as an assistant coach, before managing the U17s for several years, then the U19s, and finally the senior team that I coached for eight years. Throughout this journey, a lot of things have been done well. My goal as a coach has always been to help players and teams progress. We have also received a lot of support from clubs, regional federations and, of course, the Spanish federation, which has provided us with the means and tools to grow women's football. I am very proud that, in that same season, we won the U17, U20 and senior World Cup. All this experience is useful to me today. Here, we are in a different reality, but I think that in almost two years, we have contributed to the progress of the selection and Moroccan women's football. We are very keen to see this translated into results, even if we know that it takes time to achieve this. You took over the reins of the Moroccan national team in November 2023. What convinced you to join this project? Well, first of all, it was the conversation with the president (Fouzi Lekjaa) that quickly convinced me, because I perceived a strong, determined and courageous commitment to women's football in Morocco, with a real desire for growth. We immediately got along very well. Then I was shown around the facilities, which I think are some of the best in the world. These are those of the Moroccan Federation. There is also the entire work team of the Federation that deals with women's football. Finally, I met the players and I really liked what they gave me. It took me very little time to decide, I saw that it was a conducive environment to develop our work. I was also allowed to build my own staff, which is not always possible elsewhere. Everything was made easy, and I quickly said yes. Morocco is your first experience abroad. Can you tell us how you experienced this transition? What are your highlights since your arrival? I especially remember the first games we played. Just after I signed, I think that after three days, we already had a training camp, practically without knowing the players. We played two qualifying matches for the Olympic Games, which we won. What struck me the most was the way football is celebrated here, the passion of the fans, the players. When we returned to the residence after winning these two games, all the employees welcomed us with flower petals, music ... It was a scene I had never experienced before. Afterwards, I tried to help with the lower age-groups thanks to my experience. And now, Morocco will host the next five U-17 Women's World Cups. I think it shows how committed the country and the federation are to women's football. Internship after internship, we work on a daily basis, here in Morocco, which I find to be a wonderful country that I recommend discovering. The people there are very hospitable, we have forged very good links. For now, I'm very happy. The Atlas Lionesses are one of the most cosmopolitan teams on the continent, with players from several leagues. How do you manage to create a real cohesion despite this cultural diversity and these varied backgrounds? In the end, the players are the ones who make things easy, because they arrive with a total commitment and commitment to the jersey, the coat of arms, the country. They come very motivated. Then, on our side, we also try to promote the cohesion of the group through common activities, outside of football. From the beginning, it was a goal for us to create this group. And I'm proud of what we've built, because it's a very good human group. Players who give everything in every training session, who behave with respect, not only towards each other, but also towards the referees and the staff. We also have a great staff: the medical service, the stewards, the team manager, the media people ... we are a real family. For the language, we adapt as best we can to understand each other, and in the end, everyone does. I learned a few words in Darija to coach on the field, a little French too. But above all, I have a very important person for me: my assistant Saad Guermane. He helps me get the messages across accurately, translating into French and Arabic. There is a very beautiful harmony between everyone. And I would like it to last a long time. Morocco plays in Group A, alongside Zambia, DR Congo and Senegal. What are your impressions of this group? I think it's the toughest group, because it's very balanced. We know Zambia well, we faced each other in Olympic qualifying. It's a team that has progressed a lot in the last year, with very powerful, fast, physically strong players, who play in the best leagues. They have a new coach (Nora Häuptle) who brings them more organisation. They are a very competitive team. DR Congo is also a team made up of very strong players physically. We've played them before and we know how difficult they are. And Senegal, who we faced in a friendly match, is a team that can pose real problems. I believe that every victory in this group will be a real conquest. Winning a match in the finals is already a conquest. And that's our goal: to conquer game after game. Having finished runners-up in 2022, and as host of this TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, do you feel any particular pressure? More than pressure, it's above all a great desire to do well. Of course, we put a certain amount of pressure on ourselves on a daily basis to work well. But it's not a negative pressure: it's a privilege to have that pressure, because it means we have a good team, and we know we can achieve great things. That's what we're fighting for. As for external pressure – from the public, from the press – we feel it less, because in the end, those who put the most pressure on us are ourselves. What message would you like to send to Moroccan fans? We are not going to disappoint them. We want them to come and support us in the stadiums, to follow us on television as well. What I can guarantee 100% is that our players will give everything, fight for every ball, not just to win games, but for every action. That's the identity of this Moroccan team, and I can assure you that you'll see that. We want Moroccans to be proud of their team, that's why we work every day.
Ya Biladi
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's Women's football team holds strong at 60th in FIFA rankings, third in Africa
The Moroccan women's national football team has maintained its 60th place in the latest FIFA world rankings, released on Thursday, and remains third on the African continent. Following a 1-0 loss to Cameroon and a 3-1 win over Tunisia—both friendly matches—Morocco closes the June rankings with 1,419.63 points, down 8.09 points from the previous update. The Atlas Lionesses continue to rank third in Africa, behind Nigeria (1,623.29 points) and South Africa (1,488.49). They are followed by Cameroon (1,396.20) and Zambia (1,395.35). Egypt, ranked 93rd globally, was the biggest mover in this edition, climbing seven places. At the global level, while the United States remains at the top of the rankings, the competition is tightening. Spain (2nd) and Germany (3rd), both undefeated this quarter, are closing in on the Americans, who suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Brazil (4th, up 4 spots) in April. Brazil's rise is significant—they now sit just outside the top three, a position they haven't held since December 2013. England (5th, down 1) rounds out the top five, just ahead of Sweden (6th). Japan (7th, down 2) and Canada (8th, down 1) slipped after defeats to Brazil and Argentina, respectively. Colombia (18th, up 3) made headlines by defeating South Korea 1-0, earning their first-ever place in the Top 20. Paraguay (45th, up 1) and Venezuela (48th, up 3)—who surprised New Zealand with a 3-1 win—also reached their highest-ever rankings. Central American teams are making strides too: Haiti (50th, up 3) and Puerto Rico (79th, up 2) both achieved their best rankings to date. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia (165th, up 1) reached its highest position, while Luxembourg (111th, up 6) and Bangladesh (128th, up 5) also made notable progress.
Maroc
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Maroc
Morocco's Lionesses Hold Ground at 60th in FIFA World Rankings, 3rd in Africa
In the latest rankings of the International Federation of Football (FIFA), published on Thursday, the Moroccan women's national football team has retained their 60th spot in the global ranking while keeping their position as Africa's third best team. After a narrow 1-0 loss to Cameroon and a 3-1 victory over Tunisia in friendlies, the Atlas Lionesses wrapped up June rankings with 1,419.63 points, a slight dip of 8.09 points compared to the previous rankings. Nigeria (1,623.63 points) and South Africa (1,488.49) remain the continent's top two teams, with Morocco holding firm in third. Cameroon (1,396.20) and Zambia (1,395.35) trail closely behind. Egypt, now ranked 93rd globally, were the biggest climbers in this update, jumping seven spots. At the international level, the US are still on top, while Spain (2nd) and Germany (3rd), both unbeaten this quarter, are closing in after the Americans stumbled at home with a 2-1 defeat to a 4th-placed-Brazil in April. Brazil's surge to fourth marks a major milestone as their first time occupying the spot since 2013. England sits fifth, narrowly ahead of Sweden. Meanwhile, Japan (7th, -2) and Canada (8th, -1) lost ground after defeats to Brazil and Argentina, respectively. At the South American level, Colombia (18th, +3) made history by cracking the top 20 for the first time after a narrow victory against South Korea. Paraguay (45th, +1) and Venezuela (48th, +3) also hit their all-time highs, with Venezuela pulling off a shock 3-1 win over New Zealand. Central America is also making strides, as Haiti (50th, +3) and Puerto Rico (79th, +2) reach unprecedented heights, while Saudi Arabia (165th, +1), Luxembourg (111th, +6), and Bangladesh (128th, +5) celebrate record climbs. MAP: 12 June 2025
Morocco World
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco Holds 60th Place in FIFA Women's World Rankings, Remains Among Africa's Top Three
Rabat – Morocco's women's national football team has kept its 60th position in the latest FIFA Women's World Ranking, released today. The Atlas Lionesses remain among the top three African teams, behind Nigeria, which ranks 36th, and South Africa, placed 54th. The Moroccan squad, which has seen growing support in recent years, keeps its spot after a quiet quarter in international play. Their consistency helps maintain their standing as a key force in African women's football. At the top of the global rankings, the US still leads. Spain holds 2nd spot, and Germany stays in 3rd. Brazil climbed to 4th after defeating the US in April. England fell to 5th, while Sweden stayed close behind in 6th. Japan and Canada dropped after recent defeats, Japan to Brazil, and Canada to Argentina. North Korea kept its 9th place, and France returned to the top ten, pushing the Netherlands out. The Atlas Lionesses are preparing to compete in the Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to run from July 5 to 26. Morocco will face Zambia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group A following the tournament draw. The selected venues include Larbi Zaouli and Père Jégo Stadiums in Casablanca, Rabat's Olympic Stadium, El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, Stade d'Honneur in Oujda, and the Municipal Stadium in Berkane. Tags: Atlas LionessesFIFAfifa rankingMorocco FIFA ranking
