Morocco’s journey at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup came to an end after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to France in their Round of 16 clash at the Hindmarsh Stadium on Tuesday.
The Atlas Lionesses made it to the knockout phase by finishing second in Group H ahead of two-time champions Germany and behind Colombia, making them the first African country to do so in their debut Women’s World Cup. Les Bleues meanwhile finished top of Group F ahead of Jamaica, Brazil and Panama.
The French ladies started off in Adelaide in blistering fashion with Kadidiatou Diani giving them the lead in the 14th minute via a header from Sakina Karchaoui’s cross.
It did not take too long for France to extend their lead with Diani finding Kenza Dali who powered in a well-stuck volley five minutes later. It became 3-0 to Herve Renard’s side in the 23rd minute with a loose ball falling to Eugenie Le Sommer to fire a low shot beyond the reach of Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi.
France added a fourth goal in the 71st minute thanks to Le Sommer’s header from substitute Vicki Becho’s cross to complete her brace.
نهاية المقابلة بفوز منتخب فرنسا أمام منتخبنا الوطني النسوي
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The final result today may not have favored us, but our pride in your performance is unwavering #DimaMaghrib #OneGameOneFamily #AtlasLionesses pic.twitter.com/Ek6d6Ia8My— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) August 8, 2023
Renard’s ladies will now get to face co-hosts Australia in the quarterfinals in Brisbane on Saturday while the Moroccans have joined the Super Falcons of Nigeria and Banyana Banyana of South Africa in exiting the Women’s World Cup, leaving the African continent with no representative left in Australia and New Zealand.
