Morocco, the first African team to reach the last four of the World Cup, has dazzled the soccer world in 2022. But in the Cherifian Kingdom, it is not only the senior team that has won the hearts of its public. Wydad Casablanca, RS Berkane, AS FAR women, the women's senior team and other categories have all shone in international competitions, making the footballing year unforgettable. A look back at these achievements...
The 2022 balance sheet of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is in the green... At least on the field. Over the past 12 months, the body has seen the Kingdom's teams shine at the African and global level. Without doubt, the World Cup in Qatar was the highlight for Moroccan soccer. The Atlas Lions overturned mountains to become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. With victories over Belgium, Spain and Portugal, this performance was celebrated with dignity when the team returned home. The impression left in Qatar has given great hope to the Moroccan public who hope to reach the grail by winning one of the two upcoming AFCON.
Overall, the Atlas Lions have had a successful year with only four defeats, including one in the quarterfinals of the 2021 AFCON against Egypt and another in a friendly against the United States under Vahid Halilhodzic. The other two defeats in the World Cup occurred only in the semi-finals and in the classification match. Meanwhile, Morocco dominated Chile in a friendly and held Paraguay to a draw. In the FIFA ranking, the Atlas Lions are logically knocking at the door of the Top 10 and could even find it quickly.
King of the CAF competitions in 2022
This revival of Moroccan soccer in 2022 has also materialized in continental competitions. If during the AFCON, the Atlas Lions have replayed a quarter-final after 18 years of waiting, the Moroccan clubs have confirmed that they are surfing in the African cream. The Wydad won its 3rd title of African champion, while RS Berkane won its 2nd trophy in the African Confederation Cup, before going for the CAF Supercup against the Red and White.
This success of Moroccan clubs is a continuation of the achievements of recent years. Over the decade, Wydad has played three CAF LDC finals, winning two of them. As for RS Berkane, it has won two CAF Cup titles, in addition to having played another final. In this competition, Morocco has totaled 4 trophies over the last ten years, more than any other African country!
Women's soccer reaches the stars
These great performances of Moroccan clubs are also accompanied by a first in women's soccer in 2022. AS FAR, 3rd in the first edition of the CAF Women's LDC, won their first title in Rabat in a memorable final against Mamelodi Sundowns (4-0). For its part, the women's A team reached the final of the CAN and qualified for the first time for the World Cup of the category scheduled for 2023 in Australia and New Zealand (20 July-20 August).
The lower categories are not left out, as the U17 women participated for the first time in the World Cup. Although they did not get past the first round, they won against the host country, India, and lost narrowly to Brazil (1-0).
In the U17 men's team, Morocco narrowly missed the Arab Cup, losing in the final to the host country Algeria in a penalty shootout. However, the selection will have the opportunity to take revenge since it will play the CAN of the category to be held in the neighboring country in 2023.
Plebiscite for international competitions
After having organized a successful Women's AFCON and CAF Champions League, Morocco has again been trusted by CAF and FIFA. It will host the women's AFCON again. The Kingdom, acclaimed for the quality of the organization, will host the World Club Championship 2023 with two clubs that will defend its colors: the defending African champion, Wydad, and Raja Casablanca 2nd of the 2021/2022 season of the "Botola Pro D1 inwi".
