Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses Make History at Women’s World Cup, Advancing to Knockout Stage

"The players of the national team are great ladies. They have entered history through the front door. I had confidence in them despite the defeat against Germany. The Atlas Lionesses had been frightened by the stakes of the match. But I’m sure that if they played against the same German team today, they would amaze the world, because they have got rid of their lack of self-confidence. For me, Germany only defeated the Atlas Lionesses thanks to confidence," said Fouzi Lekjaa following Morocco’s victory over Colombia (1-0) in Perth. The joy of the FRMF president is immeasurable. "The joys follow one another in the Morocco of challenges and successes, that of King Mohammed VI," he added, assuring that his staff and he will continue to work and redouble their efforts with the seriousness advocated by the sovereign.

On Thursday, the Atlas Lionesses achieved the feat of qualifying for the round of 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup after beating Colombia (1-0) and overtaking Germany, second in the FIFA ranking, in group H. The only goal of the match was scored by Anissa Lahmari. Colombia (6 points) also obtained their ticket by surpassing the German players. After this qualification, Reynald Pedros’ protégées will face the French team, led by the former coach of the Atlas Lions, Hervé Renard, next Tuesday.