The wait is finally over for the 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations teams of hosts Morocco and Burkina Faso are all set to do battle in the opening match of the 2022.

The Atlas Lionesses are back to the tournament after a hiatus as they look as favourite to qualify in Group A.

This will be the first time the North Africa country will be hosting the tournament with Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat hosting the opening ceremony.

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The 12th edition of the AWFCON will see both teams clash for the first time.

Although, they faced each other in a friendly in October 2017 in Salé and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Speaking ahead of the game the Atlas Lionesses head coach Reynald Pedros said the players are aware of the task.

“Indeed, the event is important for the players and the country, but the whole thing is not to put negative pressure on the players.

“Personally, I did not talk much about this match to my players and the goal is to make this pressure positive,” he said at a pre-match press conference.

Automatically qualified as host country, Morocco is bolstered by the recruitment of the Frenchman Pedros as coach, but also the arrival of several players plying their trade in Europe, such as Tottenham striker Rosella Ayyane.

The Moroccans have also held no less than 14 friendly matches against opponents of different calibre, including Spain, Senegal and Ghana.

“The group is our strength,” says team captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who added that ‘’a lot has changed in the Moroccan national team since the arrival of this staff.

” Moroccans are increasingly following the performances of the women’s team.

“We hope to see a lot of people at the stadium on Saturday to support us and we hope to live up to their expectations.’’