The national women’s under-20 team achieved two consecutive victories in friendly matches against their Beninese counterparts at the municipal stadium in Kenitra, as part of their preparations for upcoming competitions. The first win took place on Friday, June 27, with a score of 4-2, showcasing a remarkable offensive performance that reflected the strong synergy among the players and their evident desire to impress the coaching staff and the local crowd that came to support the future lionesses. The second match, held on Wednesday morning, July 2, was more competitive and ended with a national team victory of 3-2, marked by focus and tactical discipline.
This second encounter was particularly special with the return of captain Fatima Zahra Naïni, who entered the field in the last quarter of an hour after recovering from an injury sustained in Bamako. Despite her brief participation, she demonstrated great readiness and quickly adapted to the team’s rhythm, successfully neutralizing the threat posed by the opponent’s number 9 striker, restoring balance to the defense during critical moments of the match. Naïni’s participation was symbolic and poignant, especially as it took place in her hometown of Kenitra, on the same pitch where she first began her journey with football, adding a human and emotional dimension to the event.
The two matches provided an important opportunity for the coaching staff to assess a number of players in genuine competitive conditions, as well as a chance for the Kenitra audience to engage with a young and ambitious team that is being relied upon to build a strong foundation for the future of Moroccan women’s football. The attendees expressed pride in the performances and victories, particularly in light of the fighting spirit displayed by the players, reflecting the hard work and intensive preparations undertaken during training camps for the upcoming challenges.
