Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak says winning the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is her main ambition as the Atlas Lionesses begin their campaign on home soil.
The experienced forward, who was named African Women’s Player of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards, says personal recognition is secondary to helping Morocco achieve success at the continental tournament.
“My goal is to give my best to the team,” Chebbak said ahead of Morocco’s opening match against Kenya.
“Individual accolades are nice, but what really matters are team trophies,” she added.
Morocco begin their Group A campaign against Kenya on Sunday at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, with the team hoping to turn the advantage of playing in front of home supporters into a strong start.
Chebbak enters the tournament as one of the key figures in Moroccan football history.
The captain is Morocco’s all-time leading scorer in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having scored eight goals in the competition.
The Atlas Lionesses have won five of the six matches in which Chebbak has found the net, with their only defeat coming in the 2024 WAFCON final against Nigeria, when they lost 3-2.
Despite her individual achievements, Chebbak insists the collective success of the team remains the priority as Morocco look to win their first continental title.
Morocco have come close in recent years, finishing as runners-up in the last two editions of the tournament.
The Atlas Lionesses lost the 2022 final to South Africa before suffering another final defeat against Nigeria in 2024.
Now, with another opportunity on home soil, the team hopes to go one step further and secure the trophy for the first time.
Head coach Jorge Vilda has also expressed confidence in his squad ahead of the tournament opener against Kenya.
The Spanish coach said Morocco’s preparation must now be converted into performances on the pitch.
“The best way to begin the tournament is by showing our quality on the field,” Vilda said.
Vilda highlighted the balance within the squad, with experienced players combining with emerging talents as Morocco aim to compete among Africa’s best teams.
The coach also warned against complacency, saying the team will approach the tournament one match at a time while maintaining their ambitions.
“Our goal is to qualify for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Vilda said, adding that the squad is fully fit and ready for the challenge.
