Ghizlane Chebbak scored a hat-trick as Morocco beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 4-2 in their Group B match at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.
In the other group-stage match, it was Barbra Banda, the 2024 African Women’s Footballer of the Year, who led Zambia to a 3-2 victory over Senegal.
It was a day for the captains of both winning sides—Morocco’s Ghizlane and Zambia’s Barbra—as their teams claimed the top two spots in the group, putting one foot into the knockout stage.
The Atlas Lionesses, starting as favourites, were pushed onto the back foot when Congo took the lead in the sixth minute, with Merveille Kanjinga converting Naomie Kabakaba’s through ball.
But Ghizlane, who had salvaged a point for Morocco in their previous game (scoring an 87th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw), stepped up much earlier this time, netting two goals before halftime.
Congo levelled the score in the 70th minute through substitute Flavine Mawete, who fired into the top corner after a clever assist from Marlène Kasaj.
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Yet again, Ghizlane rose to the occasion, combining with Imène El Ghazouani to restore Morocco’s lead.
“When Ghizlane is in that frame of mind, it is impossible to stop her,” Morocco’s coach Jorge Vilda said after the match, as quoted by CAFOnline. “She lifted the team and led the way. She was everywhere: recovering, creating, finishing. Tonight, she played like a boss.”
With a narrow lead, Congo tried to mount another comeback, but Yasmin M’Rabet sealed the win for Morocco with an 83rd-minute penalty, making the scoreline unassailable.
The result sent Morocco to the top of the group, while Congo, with consecutive losses, remained at the bottom.
Earlier in the day, in the other Group A fixture, Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda’s brace and former Ghana coach Nora Hauptle’s tactical expertise guided the Copper Queens to a 3-2 win over Senegal at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.
Zambia, held to a draw against Morocco in their opener, found themselves chasing the game just five minutes in when Nguenar Ndiaye put Senegal ahead. However, Barbra equalised seven minutes later.
Racheal Kundananji gave Zambia the lead six minutes into the second half, and Barbra extended it to 3-1, powering home a corner for her second goal of the match.
Nguenar reduced the deficit late with a penalty, but Hauptle’s side held firm to secure all three points.
“What a match, what a performance! Great team effort to get the win. Happy to contribute two goals. We are the Copper Queens. On to the next game,” Barbra said after the game.
The victory moved Zambia to second in the group. It will face Congo in its final group-stage match on July 12, while Senegal will travel to Rabat to take on Morocco the same day.
