Morocco beat Botswana to qualify for the WAFCON semi-finals and the Women’s World Cup, but now face their biggest test against the Super Falcons of Nigeria
By Mosope Micheals
Coach of the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, Reynald Pedros has admitted his team will be facing the strongest and most experienced African side when they face the Super Falcons later today.
Nigeria and tournament host, Morocco, will jostle for a place in the finals of the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) today, Monday, July 18, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Morocco defeated hard-fighting debutants Botswana 2-1 to book a place in the semi-finals, while their Nigerian counterpart edged past the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon to set up the mouth-watering last 4 encounter.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Reynald Pedros acknowledged his side will be facing an enormous challenge when they face the Nigerian ladies.
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According to the Frenchman, the Super Falcons are strong and experienced, however, he asserted they are prepared for the game and ready to face the defending champions.
He said, “We are preparing for the game. After the quarter-final game, we had time to rest, and we are ready for this game.
“Nigeria is the strongest team in Africa, and we know their strength. We need to do our best, and we are prepared for the game.
“We know they are strong, they have been the strongest for several years, and we are ready. I won’t reveal our plans for the game, but we know what we are facing; we know they are experienced.
“We are focusing on winning, we are in the semi-final, and we will see what will happen in the game. We have positive ideas, and we will focus until we reach the final.”
Pedros, who won the 2018 and 2019 UEFA Women’s Champions League with Lyon went on to say his players are fit and available for the semi-finals clash against Nigeria.
“We don’t have any injuries, and all our players are ready. Tomorrow’s game will be different, and it’s up to us to stand up against our opponent.” Pedros added.
While the Super Falcons are trying to make it 10 out of thirteen titles, the Atlas Lionesses are aiming to reach their first-ever WAFCON final and win on their home soil.
In the other semifinal, Banyana Banyana of South Africa who defeated Nigeria in the opening game of Group C will slug it out with their neighbours, the Copper Queens of Zambia.