Having already suffered a 2-0 defeat the last time he faced the Copper Queens during the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifiers, Morocco Women’s National Team coach Jorge Vilda says he is well aware of the threat Zambia poses ahead of tomorrow’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opener.
Zambia, now under the guidance of new coach Nora Hauptle, will face the 2022 WAFCON runners-up on Saturday, July 5, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Vilda—who led Spain to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title—expressed confidence in his team’s readiness and is aiming for a strong start to the tournament, despite acknowledging Zambia’s quality and form.
“The squad has made significant progress and can go far in this competition being played on home soil. Preparations have gone well,” he told a press conference at the Olympic Stadium.
“The first match is always crucial for the rest of the tournament. But the most important thing for us is to start well and finish top of our group. We are facing a Zambian team in great form, made up of some of the best players on the continent.”
Vilda further stated that his side is fully focused on going all the way this time.
“We’re ready for this first test and determined to give it our all on the pitch,” he said. “The final in 2022 allowed us to take a step forward. Now it’s up to us to confirm and achieve our goals.”
Both Zambia and Morocco are still chasing their first WAFCON title and will be eager to start strong. They share Group A with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal.
READ MORE: “We are hungry to hunt” – Nora Hauptle says ahead of WAFCON opener against Morocco
