Morocco’s women’s national team head coach, Jorge Vilda, has summoned 15 foreign-based players for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualification match against Zambia.
The Atlas Lionesses will face the Copper Queens in the first leg on April 5 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, followed by a home match on April 9 at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
According to the Roya Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), the coach has called up 28 players for the match against Zambia.
Leading the foreign contingent is captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who plays for Levante Las Planas in Spain. Tottenham forward Rosella Ayane who recently surpassed 100 club appearances for the English side is also in the team.
Kbida returns for Zambia clash
Vilda has also called former France Under-19 international midfielder Ines Kbida. The 20-year-old Marseille player received her first call-up last October and is hoping to get into the final squad.
Other notable names include Jade Nassi from Reims in France, Rania Boutiebi of Club Brugge KV in Belgium, and Yassom Zouhir from Roma.
Vilda has also lined up big names like goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi, defender Nouhaila Benzina, and midfielder Fatima Tagnaout.
The Atlas Lionesses and Copper Queens are competing for one of the two reserved spots for Africa at the Paris Olympics. Nigeria and South Africa are vying for the other Olympic qualification spot.
In the previous round, Morocco defeated Tunisia 6-2 on aggregate, while Zambia defeated Ghana 4-3.
The winner between Morocco and Zambia will be placed in Group B alongside the United States, Germany, and Australia.
The Summer Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.
READ MORE: FAZ increases security checks at Levy Mwanawansa Stadium