Rabat: “I would like to thank HM King Mohammed VI, and the Moroccan government and people for the Kingdom’s hospitality and contribution to the development of football on the continent,” said the CAF President on his arrival at Rabat-Sal© airport on Saturday, to attend the opening match of the Women’s African Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the CAF President emphasized the special place Morocco holds in his heart and that of CAF’s 54 member associations. “It’s always very special for me to be back home,” he stated, highlighting the pivotal role Morocco plays in advancing football in Africa.

The President expressed excitement about the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) for women opening on Saturday, with an anticipated match between Morocco and Zambia. He further noted the progressive level of women’s football in Africa, as evidenced by the performance of African teams at the recent World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, affirming that “women’s soccer in the continent is world-class.”

He acknowledged the unifying power of football, transcending race, ethnicity, language, or religion, and praised Morocco for being a land that brings Africans together.

The tournament will see the Atlas Lionesses face Zambia at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium in the opening match, followed by a game against DR Congo on July 9. The final group match will have Morocco taking on Senegal on July 12. Group B features Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, while Group C includes South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.