Photo: Instagram.com/equipedumaroc
After a historic run at the Qatar World Cup 2022, Morocco has more to celebrate thanks to its women’s football team. The Atlas Lioneses are now not only the first Arab team to play at the Women’s World Cup, but also the first to secure a win. Not to mention, Nouhaila Benzina has now become the first player to wear a hijab during the tournament.
On Sunday, the North African trailblazers celebrated their first win at the world cup against South Korea. Not only was the victory a history-making endeavor, but it also showcased that despite losing their first match against Germany, the Moroccan team is a formidable side. With South Korea ranked 17th in the world and Morocco coming in at 72nd, the opposition was certainly a lot stronger, making this win even more worthy of celebration.
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Ibtissam Jraidi, an Al Ahli forward, scored a header in the sixth minute earning her the honor of being the first Moroccan woman to score at a world cup. “I thank God for this victory which I dedicate to his Majesty, may God protect him, and to all Moroccans, who are proud of us and support us all the way. We played wholeheartedly, as you could see. It wasn’t an easy game but God helped us,” Jraidi stated after being awarded Player of the Match. She added, “We haven’t come to the world cup just for the sake of participation. We are here to honor Moroccan, African, and Arab football.”
As for Benzina’s milestone moment, the sportswoman is yet to make a statement. However, Assmaah Helal, one of the co-founders of the Muslim Women in Sports Network, went on record to say, “I have no doubt that more and more women and Muslim girls will look at Benzina and just really be inspired – not just the players, but I think decision makers, coaches, other sports as well.”
With the group stages coming to an end soon Morocco still has a chance to advance to the round of 16. The outcome of their final match against Colombia on Thursday will decide just how far this history making team can go. With South Korea also playing Germany on the samy day the day will bring an end to the group stage.
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