The Moroccan U20 women’s national team suffered a 3-1 defeat against their Ivorian counterparts on Sunday at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, during the first leg of the second round of the African qualifiers for the U20 World Cup.
The Moroccan players struggled against the offensive efficiency of Côte d’Ivoire, who capitalized on their chances to take the lead. Despite a goal from Hajar Belkbir in the 57th minute to reduce the deficit, the Atlas Lionesses were unable to turn the tide of the match.
The return leg is scheduled for next Sunday at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat (7:00 PM). Coach Carlos Ibanez Segarra’s squad will need to secure a win by a sufficient margin to keep their hopes alive and stay on course for qualification to the U20 Women’s World Cup.
