Rabbah rues missed chances in Senegal win, elated to seal WAFCON top spot

Morocco women’s national team defender Aziza Rabbah has admitted they missed several chances against Senegal in their decisive TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nation (WAFCON) fixture at Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday.

A composed first-half penalty from Yasmin Mrabet was all Morocco needed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Senegal in their final group match, a result that confirmed the Atlas Lionesses’ qualification for the knockout stages.

Spurred on by the home crowd, Morocco broke the deadlock in the closing stages of the first half when striker Ibtissam Jraïdi was brought down in the area by Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye.

After a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot and cautioned Ndiaye. Mrabet stepped up and calmly dispatched the penalty high into the top corner, sending Morocco into the break with a crucial lead.

“We came with so much determination. We wanted to stay in this city. Three points are not easy. We had three tough games, but thanks to the efforts of my teammates and the coach’s instructions, we won. Thanks to God we were gifted,” said Rabbah, who was Woman of the Match, as quoted by CAFOnline.

“We missed several chances, yes, but when we scored, we kept pushing. This is football — sometimes you miss, sometimes you score. The most important thing is we got the three points, and we’re leading the group with heads held high.”

On winning the award, Rabbah, who completed the full 90 minutes, completed 45 passes, made two critical tackles, and committed just one foul, said: “Honestly, winning this trophy as the Woman of the Match is not my personal achievement but that of the whole team. It was a surprise for me and it meant a lot to me, especially for my professional career.

“I did my best as the oldest player in the team. I thank my colleagues, my family who support me a lot, and the coach who always trusts me.”

Morocco coach Jorge Vilda spoke on Rabbah’s display by saying: “Aziza is a very good and experienced player. She brings a lot to the team, and we thank her for that. I’m happy for her.”

With Zambia edging out DR Congo in the other Group A fixture, both Morocco and Zambia finished on seven points, but the latter topped the group on superior goal difference.