Moroccans proud of their Lionesses despite brutal defeat by France

Despite the brutal knockout in the women's world cup, Moroccan fans stand by their team's exceptional debut in the international tournament.

Tuesday's, 8 August, Morocco-France match was effectively over after 23 minutes when Eugenie Le Sommer put France 3-0 up after earlier goals from Kadiadiatou Diani and Kenza Dali.

As the match progressed and the Blues' goals score mounted, the Lionesses' victory became further, but the Moroccan fans' hope somehow grew stronger.

"They can make it. There's still time to get back on track," muttered Hassan, a fifty-year-old man who was the soul of a small café in Salé as he provided his own politically infused commentary during the match to the clients.

But Le Sommer's fourth goal shattered even Hassan's vibrant soul. The café drowned in groans. "The French killed our dream again," sighed a man from the back.

Playing against their former coloniser, Tuesday's match took a political dimension in Rabat, with Moroccan fans hoping for a symbolic victory against the French team - a mission the Atlas Lions failed to achieve in Qatar 2022 World Cup.

In Adelaide's Hindmarsh Stadium, Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina sat alone on the bench in tears after the match referee's whistle announced the end of the team's unprecedented journey in the international tournament.

In Morocco, despite the weight of loss, fans are immensely proud of their team.

"We don't have the infrastructure or enough funds, but we still, as underdogs, outperformed favourites. I am so proud of them," Aya, a 22-year-old Moroccan fan told TNA.

The Atlas Lionesses played their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup, and it couldn't have started any worse with a 6-0 hammering by the second-ranked team worldwide, Germany, in their opening game. But they have fought back valiantly, with back-to-back 1-0 wins to qualify for the round of 16.

It was only in 2019 when the Moroccan Federation of Football (FRMF) launched an entirely professional national football league and regional second tier for women's football and invested in the Atlas Lionesses.

Four years after their launch, the Atlas Lionesses have already won hearts and broken several records and stereotypes in a region where football was exclusively for men for decades. 

They are the first senior team from the MENA region to ever qualify for the Women's World Cup.

Meanwhile, Moroccan Player Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup, performing strongly, particularly in the final group game against Colombia.

"We broke many stereotypes in this Cup; look at me and all these men watching. Who would say we will see Moroccan men being that passionate about women's football," Hassan, a Moroccan fan, told TNA.

"If god will, we will meet here after four years and celebrate the lionesses winning the World Cup. We should never give up," he added.