Rabat – The Atlas Lionesses will play two friendly matches before the end of this year. One against Burkina Faso on November 28 at the Grand Stade in Marrakech, and the second against South Africa on December 2 at the Grand Stade in Agadir. Both matches will kick off at 19:00 GMT +1.
The Moroccan federation has scheduled these matches as part of the national team’s preparation cycle for a busy 2026. Morocco will host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
These matches offer two different types of opposition: Burkina Faso – more direct and physical – will test Morocco’s defensive organization and transitions.
The 2022 South Africa champions are known for their technicality, and will be an intense competition in the continental knockouts.
For head coach Jorge Vilda, the double-header will serve several purposes:
- To evaluate the depth of the squad and internal competition for places.
- To refine tactical habits.
- To integrate new call-ups.
- To maintain continuity from the previous international windows.
The Atlas Lionesses pieced it all together, and Sakina put the bow on it. 🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 | @AGLgroup_ pic.twitter.com/238EFZPpAL
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 23, 2025
These friendlies played at home will help build the hype around the women’s team as the country prepares to host an expanded 16-team WAFCON (a decision recently confirmed by CAF).
The Atlas lionesses want to be mentally prepared and focussed on success by March of 2026, especially as the tournament serves as the African qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.