After guiding Spain to a FIFA Women’s World Cup title, Jorge Vilda—now head coach of Morocco’s women’s national team—has been given a clear mandate: win the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to kick off on July 5, 2025.
But standing in his way in Group A are tough opponents: Zambia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Atlas Lionesses will begin their campaign with a highly anticipated clash against the sharp-shooting Copper Queens on the tournament’s opening day.
Since his appointment, Vilda has already faced Zambia in the 2024 Olympic qualifiers. Morocco won the first leg 2-1 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, but Zambia responded with a 2-0 victory in the return fixture on Moroccan soil to secure their qualification for the Olympics.
Following that home defeat, Vilda admitted in a press conference that the result was unexpected. “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. And yes, we had very clear chances. In the end, well, football has decided that we won’t be at the Olympics this time.”
Now, the stage is set once again. Morocco, runners-up in the 2022 edition after losing to South Africa in the final, will take on bronze medalists Zambia in a blockbuster opener.
“Its the toughest group”- Vilda
Vilda acknowledges the challenge of facing Zambia, based on their recent encounters.
“I think it’s the toughest group because it’s very balanced. We know Zambia well; we faced each other in Olympic qualifying,” he told Cafonline in an interview. “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.”
In their last four meetings, Morocco has only managed one win, while Zambia has claimed two victories and one draw. Fourteen goals have been scored between them—Zambia with nine and Morocco with five.
“They have a new coach (Nora Hauptle) who brings them more organisation. They are a very competitive team,” Vilda added.
He went on to say, “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.”
The 2024 WAFCON will run from July 5 to July 26, 2025, in Morocco. The top two teams from each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage.
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