Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses made a spectacular start to their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign, overwhelming New Zealand 4-0 with four second-half goals to delight the home crowd in Rabat.

The hosts, who dominated possession but struggled to break down a stubborn New Zealand defence before the interval, turned on the style after the break to open their Group A campaign in emphatic fashion.

Sonia Abajiou broke the deadlock in the 57th minute with a superb header, finally beating New Zealand goalkeeper Nienke Holland, who had frustrated the Moroccans with a series of interventions in the first half.

Morocco pressed for a second goal, with Nora El Rhachoua striking the post before New Zealand defender Eden Chaytor inadvertently turned the ball into her own net in the 70th minute.

Substitute Imane Dhissi extended the advantage six minutes later with a deflected effort, before Hiba Youssoufi converted a penalty in the 82nd minute to complete the rout.

Youssoufi was named Player of the Match after helping Morocco turn their territorial dominance into a convincing victory.

The performance rewarded the patience of coach Youness Rabie, whose side had found clear openings difficult to come by during the first half.

“It wasn’t easy at the start of the match, but we were patient, we analysed New Zealand properly, and we knew we could win. I’m really happy for the girls,” Rabie said.

He praised his players for their contribution to the victory, adding that the team would now shift its attention to its next fixture.

Rabie also highlighted the value of experience within the squad, noting that seven players had previously featured at the World Cup and had stepped up to support their teammates.

Morocco’s emphatic result headlined an eventful opening day, with Germany also winning in Group A after overcoming Argentina in a high-profile encounter.

In Group B, defending champions Korea DPR announced their title ambitions with a six-goal demolition of Puerto Rico, while Poland defeated Nigeria’s Flamingos 2-1 to begin their campaign with three points.

For Morocco, the four-goal victory provides an encouraging start to a tournament in which home support could prove a significant advantage. The Atlas Lionesses will now look to build on their opening performance as they pursue progress to the knockout stages.

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