Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses believe they have all it takes to beat the Super Falcons of Nigeria and win their first Women African Cup of Nations title when both teams clash in the final Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
For the Moroccans, winning title will be a crowning glory for their five-year aggressive women football development drive and while for the Super Falcons winning their 10th title and reaffirming their supremacy in the continent is the motivation.
In the 2022 edition the Super Falcons were edged out at the semi-final stage by Morocco largely helped by a capacity crowd armed with laser beams and also unhealthy matching officiating, the Atlas Lionesses had their day with a 5-4 penalty shootout win.
However, their coach Jorge Vilda a FIFA Women World Cup winner with Spain noted that there wouldn’t be any long-drawn battle in the final game against the Super Falcons.
“We have thoroughly analysed Nigeria’s tactics, and we are prepared to face them. We are totally confident in our abilities, and we believe that we can secure a win.
“We might even wrap up the match in the first half. There’s no doubt in my mind that we would emerge victorious over the Nigerian women,” said the Spanish born coach.
But Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu maintained that just like every game they have played in the tournament they came up with something new.
“As I said before the tournament, we will always assess the opposition first and then determine what tactics would suit us better and serve our purpose. We have done these in our previous five games, and we will do the same in the final.
“I want to assure you that we are not going to relent or take our eyes off the ball. Our focus is on lifting the trophy in Rabat on Saturday,” Madugu said.
Defender Michelle Alozie who smashed home the winner against South Africa in the semifinal added
“Mission X – that’s what this entire tournament was about.
“It’s going all the way to the final and winning it. We’re growing as a team, and I think that shows every game.”