Fifa.com
Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak says her team are drawing inspiration from the Atlas Lions’ Qatar 2022 heroics as they prepare to compete in their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Morocco men’s side became the first African or Arabic nation to progress to a World Cup semi-final when they thrillingly reached the last four of the global finals last December.
Chebbak is now out to write another glorious chapter in this golden era for football in her native country.
The forward was instrumental in Morocco’s qualification for Australia & New Zealand 2023, which they achieved by finishing as runners-up at last year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
That tournament was held on Moroccan soil and attracted bumper crowds, with more than 50,000 fans attending the final when Chebbak and Co were edged out by South Africa.
Chebbak says the feverish backing they experienced at the WAFCON – as well as memories of the jubilant scenes in her homeland during the men’s World Cup – will offer extra motivation Down Under.
“Moroccan people love watching football and they love supporting anyone who represents the country – you saw that they supported us and the men’s national team,” she told FIFA. “Moroccan fans have that passion, as do us players, and we will give everything to make them satisfied.
“We will never forget that World Cup in Qatar. Everyone back home was watching them, from the older generations of men and women to young kids. They made all Moroccans happy with what they did. They reached a point that no one expected. They have inspired us to try to do what they did and to go far in the tournament.” Morocco’s miraculous road to semi-finals Drama, joy and history made for Africa. Watch Morocco’s brilliant run to the semi-finals for the first time in a FIFA World Cup️.
Morocco will begin their Women’s World Cup campaign against two-time champions Germany on 24 July in Melbourne.
A clash with Korea Republic in Adelaide follows six days later, before they round off their group-stage fixtures against Colombia in Perth on 3 August.
“The men’s team have shown us that nothing is impossible if you fight for it and you stay focused,” added Chebbak, who plays her club football for dominant Moroccan top-flight side AS FAR.
“As a group, we all have the same goal and we are like one big family, which is the most important thing in any team. Our relationship off the field is great and that helps us on the field too. We will fight for each other.
“We have been drawn in a tough World Cup group but you can beat any team with hard work.”
Chebbak led her nation’s charge to their maiden WAFCON final last year, with her eye-catching performances recognised with the player of the tournament prize. She also finished as the competition’s joint top-scorer with three goals.
The 2022 WAFCON served as a qualifying competition for the Women’s World Cup and the four semi-finalists were guaranteed a spot at Australia & New Zealand 2023.
Morocco’s quarter-final showdown with Botswana was therefore of monumental importance, with a coveted ticket Down Under at stake.
Reflecting on her emotions following Morocco’s 2-1 success, Chebbak said: “Our feeling was one of happiness I cannot describe. We managed to make history and qualify for the World Cup for the first time in the history of women’s football. Honestly, it was an amazing feeling we will never forget.
“Playing in the World Cup gives me a sense of pride and also a sense of responsibility. I will give it everything I have to help make Moroccan football proud.”
