Jorge Vilda ‘s attempt to qualify Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses for their first Olympic women’s football tournament was thwarted by Zambia on Wednesday morning at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The Copper Queens defeated Morocco 2-0 to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics with a 3-2 aggregate win.
Both teams were eager to get an early goal but thanks to their respective defences, they held on until the 38th minute, when Zambian forward Barbra Banda broke the deadlock.
The match ended in a draw after regulation time. Zambia found the winner in the second half of extra time through Banda.
The Orlando Pride striker, who scored her second goal of the match from the penalty spot, gave the Copper Queens a 2-0 lead that sealed their qualification.
Morocco, who defeated Zambia 2-1 in the first leg five days ago in Ndola, were confident heading into the final leg, with their coach Jorge Vilda claiming he knew the Zambian players.
Speaking after the match on Wednesday, Vilda said he was proud of his players despite failing to qualify, as the loss was unexpected after winning the first leg.
“I am proud of my players,” he told reporters at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium. “We had it very close; it couldn’t just be.”
“We also couldn’t believe it from the sidelines. We had very clear chances. In the end, well, football has decided that we won’t be at the Olympics this time.”
Vilda continued: “Only 12 teams have qualified for the Olympics and we have had it very close. I think we will continue working.”
Morocco has now lost three home matches to Zambia, who have qualified for the Olympics for the second time in a row.
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