Morocco - Mali: A clash of gloves in the heart of Rabat
Mali arrived in Rabat dazed and disoriented, like a boxer on the ropes, after suffering a resounding 0-4 defeat to South Africa in Oujda. A crushing defeat that could have left the Eagles on the floor. But instead of staying on their knees, they got back up. The quarterfinal bell is fast approaching, and they know it is now or never to get back in the ring.
In front of them is Morocco, the host country of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, fighting on home soil. The crowd, as hot as a furnace, fill the Olympic Stadium in Rabat for every fight, and the Atlas Lionesses have advanced with the confidence of being the top seed. However, the Malians have the will to win.
"The group stage is over. Now it's the knockout stage: you play, you go through. You lose, you go home," declared Mohamed Houssein Saloum, the Malian coach, in a phrase as colourful as it was powerful. Meaning: there are no more calculations, you lose, and you are eliminated.
An iron mind for a comeback
Mali knows what they're playing for: more than a place in the semifinals, revenge against themselves. "We're aware. The defeat against South Africa wasn't what we wanted, but we've turned the page. You'll see a different image of the team tomorrow," promises striker Aissata Traoré.
Real punchers, Les Aigles Dames want everyone to forget their average attack (only two goals in three matches) and a cracked defense (five goals conceded, the worst total of any team still in the competition). But against Morocco, they want to strike hard, right from the opening minutes.
A battle of styles: technical boxing versus impact boxing
Morocco, for their part, are progressing systematically. Like a boxer with a refined style, solid on her feet, working with their jab, wearing down her opponent with patience and precision. This approach is confirmed by Jorge Vilda, the national coach: "Every morning, my players make me feel ready to fight. This match is crucial; it stimulates us, it gives us extra energy."
Aziza Rabbah, central defender for the Atlas Lionesses, emphasizes the mental strength of the group: "We have spent more than two months together, totally focused. We've become a real family. This cohesion, this harmony, is what helps us stay strong, both physically and mentally."
Mali, on the other hand, promise a completely different kind of match. Aïssata Traoré sets the scene bluntly: "To win, you have to be more eager to hurt your opponent." And she adds, almost introspectively: "The opponent is ourselves. It's the limits we set for ourselves that will turn the match."
Behind these words, a whole state of mind has been expressed. A more straightforward, more muscular, no-nonsense game. The Malians want to press high, impose impact, and make their hearts and lungs speak. Like in an eighth round, when the legs burn but the will takes over. Lessons learned through hard work: "Each match has its own reality, its own philosophy. We learned from our mistakes," the Malian tactician emphasizes. Despite the defeat, the team retain their weapons: backup goalkeeper Alima Cissé, who made four saves in the last match (a record for Mali in this tournament), and striker Saratou Traoré, who put four of five shots on target against the South Africans.
Morocco: Favorite, but Not Untouchable
"They're a playful team, they don't give up, they believe in themselves," acknowledges the Malian coach. Morocco impresses, keeps on playing, and draws crowds.
But in a quarterfinal, the slightest opening can be exploited. "The match will come down to the details," he warns. For the Moroccan side, Jorge Vilda refuses to underestimate the ferocity of the Malian women: "Mali is a great team. They really want to qualify for the semifinals, which makes them even more dangerous. In no case are my players less confident."
Aziza Rabbah confirms: "The psychological stress, the tension, we know it's an important factor. But we're ready, focused. We want to show the best version of our team. This match is a major challenge, and we'll give it our all."
The strength of the people and desire to make history
"This match is super important, not just for me. It's an entire country that's counting on us," insists Traoré. A second semifinal qualification, after the one in 2018, would give Malian Women's Football new visibility.
And the Malians are ready for anything: "If we have to leave our bodies, even our souls, on the pitch, we'll do it," says the new Boston striker, vigorously. The phrase resonates like a right hook. The support of Malian fans in Morocco could serve as a 12th factor. "We ask them to have more support for us. And I hope we will grow and get better in the game."
