African Women’s Soccer Rises: France’s Dali Praises World Cup Success Ahead of Morocco Clash

In a press conference on Monday to discuss the round of 16 match against Morocco scheduled for Tuesday, Kenza Dali, 32, welcomed the rise of women’s football in Africa, rejoicing in the qualification of Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa in the round of 16. "I am very happy to see three African teams in the round of 16. Morocco plays very good football, we saw Nigeria with huge physical and technical qualities..." she told the newspaper Le Parisien.

Born in France to Algerian parents, the Bleues midfielder hopes to see the Algerian women’s national team also reach such a level one day. "I know the coach of Algeria (EDITOR’S NOTE: Farid Benstiti, former coach of PSG and OL) well. I think they are also progressing on their side," she said.

Regarding the match against Morocco, Kenza Dali assures that the Bleues are aware that the match will not be easy. "As the coach said, people have analyzed the opponent. We have the keys. I won’t reveal them. We know that Morocco defends very well. They are also capable of hurting the opponent. We don’t expect to score after five or ten minutes. We will have to remain serene... There have been surprises in this World Cup," said the midfielder.

Kenza Dali also talks about Anissa Lahmari, the number 10 of the Lionesses of the Atlas, whom she knew "very young" at PSG. "She has always had a lot of technical qualities above all. She plays with a lot of freedom. Morocco’s game suits her very well. She has a role as a false number 10. Most of Morocco’s attacks go through her. I’m happy to see her at this level and to see her show what she is capable of."