Nouhaila Benzina: Morocco secure first Women’s World Cup win as defender makes history

Women’s World Cup 2023: Live scores, standings, results, tables and top scorers

CNN
—

Morocco earned a surprise victory over South Korea on Sunday to secure the country’s first victory in one Women’s World Cup in a match where Nouhaila Benzina also made history.

Striker Ibtissam Jraidi scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win as Morocco finished third. debutantes to win a game in this tournament.

It was a match full of significant landmarks.

Defender Benzina started for Morocco to become the first player to wear a hijab at a women’s World Cup at senior level. Benzina, making his first appearance in the tournament, almost capped an impressive performance with a goal but flashed over the bar.

Jraidi’s header in the sixth minute was also Morocco’s first ever goal of the tournament.

“We are just so happy that our efforts have paid off. This victory is for Morocco and Arabs, it is the fruit of our hard work,” Jraidi told reporters, according to Reuters.

Morocco suffered a heavy 6-0 loss to Germany in its opening game, but were much improved in Adelaide.

Ranked 55 places below South Korea in the world rankings, it was a surprise when the debutants took an early lead, but Morocco held on for a memorable victory. Teenager Casey Phair had a late chance to equalize for South Korea from close range, but shot wide.

Despite two defeats in two games, South Korea are yet to be eliminated as Germany suffered one shock 2-1 loss to Colombia in Group H’s later game. South Korea will face Germany on August 3 in their final group stage match.