Morocco’s Lionesses Roar Back: Chebbak Hat-Trick Secures Crucial AFCON Victory

This Wednesday, at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, the Moroccans defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo with a score of four goals to two in the second round of the group stage. This result allows them to more serenely envisage qualification for the next round.

The match was of particular importance for Jorge Vilda’s players, who had drawn (2-2) against Zambia in their first match. A victory was imperative not to jeopardize their chances. Yet it was the Congolese who struck first, opening the scoring as early as the sixth minute of play, thus disrupting the plans of the host selection.

Following this early opening of the scoring, the Moroccan team reacted by taking control of the game and multiplying the offensives. This pressure materialized with the equalizer of captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 25th minute. Continuing on their momentum, the Atlas Lionesses took the lead just before half-time, thanks to a new goal from Ghizlane Chebbak in the 43rd minute, allowing them to go into the locker room with a one-goal lead.

In the second half, the DRC showed that they had not given up and managed to equalize in the 70th minute. The Moroccan team, however, was able to respond quickly to regain control of the match. Only six minutes after the Congolese equalizer, Ghizlane Chebbak scored a hat-trick, giving her team the advantage back. In the 83rd minute, Yasmine Mrabet definitively sealed the outcome of the match by scoring the fourth Moroccan goal.

This final result of four goals to two allows Morocco to make an excellent accounting operation. With four points, the Moroccan selection occupies second place in Group A, behind Zambia, who lead them on goal difference. Senegal is third with three points, while the DRC, with zero points, is eliminated. Qualification will be played on the last day, Saturday, July 12, for a decisive match against Senegal at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.