Morocco 1-0 Burkina Faso: Atlas Lionesses win on return to WAFCON

Morocco started their Africa Cup of Nations with a victory against a tame Burkina Faso side. The Atlas Lionesses outlined their credentials as contenders to win the competition as they dominated proceedings from start to finish. Reynald Pedros’ side have now gone nine unbeaten but will be concerned with his team’s inability to put away the host of chances they created.

The victory leaves them a top of Group A and already in a strong position to qualify out of the group stage of a Cup of Nations for the first time in their history. Meanwhile Burkina Faso still have time to turn things around, but will have an uphill task if they want to progress to the quarterfinals .

Story of the match

With thousands of fans creating a cauldron-like atmosphere in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the game started with a frenetic pace. Players from both sides were flying into challenges.

Once the game had settled it was the hosts who took control. Ghizlane Chebbak’s freekick glancing the top of the net before Salma Amani’s finish was smartly saved by Mariam Ouatarra in goal.

But it was Ouatarra who made the mistake as Morocco took the lead in the 29th minute. Following a lengthy VAR check for a potential penalty Chebbak despatched her freekick. This time squeezing her shot past a flapping Ouatarra.

With their tails up, the Atlas Lionesses took complete control of the first half, coming closest from a corner. Centre back Elchad Nesryne seeing her header cleared off the line before Amani blazed over on the rebound.

The second half picked up where the first off ended. Morocco dictating play and creating chances at will with The Stallions seemingly unable to shore up their leaky defence.

Every freekick, corner or cross was finding a Moroccan as Chebbak’s delivery continued to be superb from set pieces.

But with chances a plenty coming for Morocco it was the away side that came closest to scoring in the second half. Against the run of play, a lofted pass found substitute Limata Nikiema who was unable to round keeper Er-Rmichi who rose again to save the rebound from Balkissa Sawadogo.

With the game stretched, chances were to be found at both ends. Spurs forward Rosella Ayane twice coming close with chances on the break. But in the end neither side were able to take advantage of their chances. Despite a nervy 15 minutes or so, the hosts were able to close out victory and set themselves up nicely in Group A.

Only a second win in the WAFCON for the Moroccans and a first in 22 years leaves them in pole position to come out of the group. But the Moroccans were not really tested in what was a simple victory for the Lionesses and on another day could have been made to rue their missed chances.

Stand out player

Ghizlane Chebbak was the mastermind behind the Moroccan performance. The AS FAR Rabat midfielder was pulling the strings from deep throughout the match. She scored one freekick, nearly scored another two and could have had a number of assists if her teammates could put away any of her crosses.

The captain’s delivery will be vital to a Moroccan side who struggled to create as many clear cut chances from open play as they should have. As the tournament progresses that delivery will become more and more important for the team.

Lineups

Morocco – Er-Rmichi (gk), Redouani, Nesryne, Nakkach, Chebbak (c), Amani, Tagnaout, El Hal, Saoud, Mrabet, Ayane

Substitutes: Hassani, Seghir

Burkina Faso – M. Ouatarra (gk), Nako, Sedogo, Congo, Belem, R. Sawadogo, B. Sawadogo, Millogo (c), Diamilatou, Rouamba, Nana

Substitutes: Traore, Koudougou, Nikiema, Kabre