With their 3-1 victory in the first leg, the Ivorian women face Morocco on Sunday, September 28, 2025, to secure their ticket to the next round.

In Rabat, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire’s U20 women’s team will be playing much more than just a football match. On Sunday, September 28, at 6 p.m. (Abidjan time), the Moulay Abdallah Complex will host a decisive clash between Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco in the return leg of the second round of the U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Mattieu Esposito’s squad struck hard in Abidjan during the first leg, claiming a 3-1 victory. Goals from Safi Ouédraogo (30’, 66’) and N’Guessan Akissi Nadège (31’) paved the way for their success. But on Moroccan soil, nothing will be handed out easily. Backed by their home crowd, the Atlas Lionesses dream of overturning the deficit and securing a historic qualification.

Aware of the challenge, the Ivorian coaching staff has focused throughout the week on fixing defensive lapses noted in the first match. Offensive patterns have also been sharpened to maximize efficiency in front of goal.

For the Elephantes, the stakes go beyond mere qualification: it is about affirming the steady progress of Ivorian women’s football on the international stage. Advancing to the next round would reward the efforts of an ambitious generation determined to write a new chapter of glory for Côte d’Ivoire.

In the Cherifian kingdom, the Elephantes know they have only one option: defend their advantage with courage and aim higher.