CAF: Morocco 2026 Women’s AFCON squad blends experience, emerging talent

The preliminary squad of the Moroccan women’s national team, unveiled by head coach Jorge Vilda Rodríguez ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, reflects a balanced mix of seasoned internationals, returning players and emerging young talents, underscoring Morocco’s ambition to play a leading role on home soil, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The Spanish coach released his list prior to the training camp set to begin this week at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamora, marking a new step in the steady rise of the Atlas Lionesses ahead of the continental tournament.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak will lead an experienced Moroccan side at the 2026 WAFCON. Meanwhile, Kautar Azraf, an attacker for FC Barcelona Femení, earns her first senior call-up after shining in youth categories, CAF noted on its official website. Among the recalled players are Yasmin Mrabet, Salma Amani and Sanaâ Mssoudy.

Regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Moroccan women’s football, Azraf is expected to bring pace, attacking drive and creativity to the frontline, the same source added.

Alongside Chebbak, several experienced figures are also included in the squad, notably goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, defender Nouhaila Benzina, and forwards Sakina Ouzraoui and Fatima Tagnaout.

The Maamora training camp will allow the technical staff to fine-tune tactical principles, improve team cohesion and strengthen collective chemistry ahead of the competition, CAF stressed, noting that Morocco aims to confirm the steady progress of its women’s football on the continental stage.

Runners-up in the previous edition hosted at home in 2024, the Atlas Lionesses continue to invest in infrastructure and talent development.

With strong competition expected at the 2026 tournament, the blend of experience and youth crafted by Vilda clearly reflects Morocco’s ambition, not merely to compete, but to lift the continental title, CAF concluded.