WAFCON 2024: Morocco’s Vilda praises Ghizlane Chebbak after DR Congo win

Morocco forward Ghizlane Chebbak was the star attraction after she grabbed a hat-trick in a dramatic 4-2 victory over DR Congo in a thrilling Group A encounter of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.

After DR Congo, who had lost their opener 4-0 against Senegal, had taken the lead courtesy of Merveille Kanjinga, the Atlas Lionesses responded with authority and precision when Chebbak struck twice before the break — first in the 25th minute with a composed finish inside the box and again in the 43rd minute from close range.

DR Congo were not done yet as they levelled matters in the 70th minute when substitute Flavine Mawete finished off a cross from Marlène Kasaj, but Morocco were not giving up yet, when Chebbak turned the provider for Imène El Ghazouani to make it 3-2.

Morocco sealed the emphatic victory after Anissa Lahmari won a penalty, which was confidently converted by Yasmin M’Rabet. Speaking after the game, Morocco coach Jorge Vilda praised Ghizlane for her work rate saying she played “like a boss.”

“When Ghizlane is in that frame of mind, it is impossible to stop her,” said Vilda after the match as quoted by CAFOnline. “She transcended the team, led the way. She was everywhere: recovering, creating, finishing. Tonight, she played like a boss.”

The victory kept Morocco top of Group A with four points, while Zambia stayed second also with four points, following their hard-fought 3-2 victory against DR Congo.