King Mohammed VI received Tuesday at the M’diq-Fnideq provincial square,in the Northern city of M’diq,the Moroccan Women football team that cruised to the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hosted in Morocco July 5 through 26,in tribute to a golden generation that is elevating Moroccan women’s football on the African stage.
This powerful gesture symbolizing royal recognition of their efforts and achievements,held as Morocco is celebrating the 26th anniversary of the King’s enthronement,celebrates not only the outstanding athletic achievements of the Atlas Lionesses but also their growing role in promoting women’s sports in Morocco.
During the royal audience,the players expressed their gratitude to the Monarch,who was accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and Prince Moulay Rachid,and offered him signed jerseys as a token of appreciation. Ghizlane Chebbak,the iconic captain and top scorer of the tournament,offered the King the Golden Boot she was awarded,symbolizing the pride of a journey that has won the hearts of an entire nation.
This moment of national pride crowns years of strategic investment in the development of women’s sports,driven by a royal vision to position Morocco as a key player on the international sporting stage. With Morocco set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal,the Kingdom reaffirms its growing leadership in global sports.
More than just a ceremonial tribute,this royal reception reflects the importance given to Moroccan women in all fields,including elite sports. It also sends a strong message of encouragement to future generations by making these players true role models of inspiration and success.
The popular and institutional enthusiasm surrounding this event illustrates a new era for sport in Morocco — one where excellence,inclusion,and ambition go hand in hand.
At the end of the 2024 WAFCON,King Mohammed VI had sent a message of congratulations to the players and the coaching staff of the national team,praising a “brilliant performance” that was followed “with great pride,” and that was crowned by a spot in the final of the continental championship,which Morocco hosted with warm hospitality and excellent organization,worthy of the Kingdom and its guests.
In his message,the King praised the outstanding competitive spirit and the high sense of patriotism shown by the members of the women’s national team throughout the tournament,as well as their firm determination to enshrine the strong presence of Moroccan football continentally and internationally,and to give the national women’s sport the representation it deserves.
The Monarch also lauded the efforts of all those who contributed to this achievement,including the players,technical staff,medical staff,and administrative staff,
In the final played Saturday July 26,in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino,and President of the Confederation of African Football Patrice Motsepe,the Moroccan team lost in against Nigeria 3-2.
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