Morocco came from behind to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 4-2 in a dramatic Group A Round 2 match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Wednesday.
Congo stunned the home crowd just six minutes into the match when Paris Saint-Germain striker Mervaille Kanjinga opened the scoring for DR Congo. The early goal gave the Central Africans a brief upper hand, but Morocco gradually found their rhythm and took control of the match.
The equalizer came through Ghizlane Chebbak, who was expertly set up by Ibtissam Jraidi in the 25th minute. The Atlas Lionesses continued to press, and just before halftime, Chebbak punished Congo’s defensive lapse to score her second of the night in the 43rd minute, giving Morocco a 2-1 lead at the break.
Morocco emerged from the interval even more determined and dominated possession, though Congo remained dangerous on the counterattack. The Congolese were rewarded in the 70th minute when Flavine Maweta leveled the score at 2-2.
But the celebration was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Chebbak completed her hat-trick and restored Morocco’s lead, sealing her status as player of the match.
In the 83rd minute, Morocco were awarded a penalty after a Congolese foul in the box. Yasmin Mrabet stepped up and converted confidently to make it 4-2, putting the result beyond Congo’s reach.
The victory leaves Group A wide open, with Morocco now level on four points with Zambia at the top of the table. Morocco will face Senegal in their final group fixture, while Zambia take on DR Congo.
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