Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait in West Asian Junior Volleyball Championship
Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait in West Asian Junior Volleyball Championship: After a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to South Africa on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco’s hopes of becoming the first Arab country to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations came to an end, but the country was nonetheless proud of its efforts.
In the second half, all of the goals were met. Banyana Banyana took the lead 10 minutes after Hildah Magaia opened the scoring for South Africa. A late goal by Rosella Ayane had the 50,000-strong home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium on their feet, but the Atlas Lionesses couldn’t add a second, and South Africa won their first continental title in their sixth final appearance.
Despite the loss, the match has been a huge success on and off the field, with Morocco being the greatest Arab team in the competition’s 14 editions and, more importantly, qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is another first for the Arab world.
He spoke for a large number of people following the sport.
“They gave it their all, but it was clearly not enough,” the Frenchman said. “I couldn’t be happier with the people I’ve hired. They’ve accomplished a lot in a short period of time. They’ve paid homage to both the garment and their loyal fans. With spite of the loss, we’re not disappointed in our championship road. We’ll deal with it.”
Hanane Ait El-Haj of Morocco saved South Africa’s blushes in the first minute of play when she deflected Magaia’s shot into her own net from just within her own half.
Magaia
After being pinned back by the hosts, Magaia had to be disallowed seven minutes before halftime by Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, who came off her line quickly to save the ball.
After an hour, the standoff was finally broken. In the left channel, Magaia’s Jermaine Seoposenwe broke free and dragged the ball back for the South Korean-based star, who found the net with a low drive.
South Africa’s lead was doubled after 71 minutes. With Magaia’s close-range finish, the house supporters were utterly silenced. Morocco couldn’t deal with Karabo Dhlamini’s left-wing cross.
But when Ayane scored a goal back with 10 minutes left, the fans found their voices once again. Fatima Tagnaout squared the ball from the left side of the field for the Tottenham star to bury the ball in the backside nook of the net.
However, despite the pressure and the additional nine minutes of time, Morocco was unable to get the all-important equalizer against the determined South African team added time.
“The players demonstrated resiliency,” South African coach Desiree Ellis said. “They wanted for the trophy so desperately. The 2018 match was a success, but we weren’t able to take home a medal. My hat goes off to all of you players.”
Despite the hosts’ disappointment, the match appears to be a turning point in Moroccan girls’ soccer.
Ellis
Ellis said, “Morocco are not in the final by chance.” “It’s been a while since they started.” They’ve got a two-tiered league with professional players. For those aged 17 and younger, there is a national league. For this season’s friendly matches, they’ve brought on an experienced coach who has won league crowns in France and the Champions League.
Finally, in a spectacular semi-final victory over Nigeria that put the team on the back and front pages for the first time in history, Morocco electrified their people. The Atlas Lionesses have become household names in this soccer-crazed nation.
Ghizlane Chebbak is in fact a captain. She was recognized as the game’s best player.
At the beginning of the competition, “no one believed in us,” Chebbak said. I am, nevertheless, pleased that we have succeeded in altering people’s perspectives. Players are thrilled that women’s soccer has attracted so many people and that we’ve been able to reach out to fans who’ve watched us play and the effort that we put forth.”
There is still a lot of international attention for Morocco to go around, as the next encounter is the big one.
“Now it’s time to put together for the 2023 World Cup,” said coach Pedros, who spoke to King Mohamed VI after the game. “The African Nations Cup had no weak groups, but the World Cup will be harder.”
Once more, the whole country will be paying attention.