The Morocco women's football team has secured a prominent spot on the official shortlist unveiled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday. The Atlas Lionesses are officially in the running for the prestigious CAF Best Women's National Team of the Year award for 2026, highlighting their consistent excellence and growth within international women's football.
A stellar journey in the continental tournament
This well-deserved nomination is the direct result of an impressive campaign during the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The Moroccan squad demonstrated exceptional talent and determination by reaching the semi-finals of the major continental competition. Their remarkable tournament run only came to an end following a fiercely contested semi-final match against Cameroon, which was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout that ended 3-1 in favor of the Cameroonian side.
Competing among elite African nations
Despite the heartbreak of their exit in the penultimate stage, the Morocco women's football team successfully maintained its high standing among the ten elite African selections nominated for this annual distinction. The rigorous continental shortlist features nine other competitive nations striving for the coveted trophy: Algeria, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Upcoming milestones and outlook
As the football community awaits the final verdict and winners of the CAF Awards 2026, the Atlas Lionesses continue to inspire a new generation of players. Building upon their recent experiences in major tournaments, the Moroccan federation and team staff are already looking forward to future international competitions to further elevate women's football across the nation and the African continent.
Photo : Abderrahmane DAMAAN — CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
