Ayane to lead Morocco challenge at women's World Cup

Morocco have included Tottenham Hotspur forward Rosella Ayane in their final squad for the women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, one of 14 overseas-based players selected by coach Reynald Pedros.

Ayane, who was born in England, was a leading figure in helping Morocco to the silver medal at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where the country earned their maiden qualification for the World Cup.

The majority of that team has been retained, with influential captain Ghizlane Chebbak one of seven players from Moroccan club Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales (AS FAR), who are the holders of the African Women’s Champions League title.

Pedros, who has enjoyed Champions League success with Olympique Lyonnais, has also called on Napoli defender Sabah Seghir, Metz forward Salma Amani and Nantes striker Kenza Chapelle.

Morocco have been drawn in Group H at the World Cup and will open their campaign against Germany on July 24. They meet South Korea six days later and finish their pool fixtures against Colombia on Aug. 3.

Morocco squad:

Goalkeepers: Ines Arouaissa (AS Cannes, France), Khadija Errmichi (AS FAR), Assia Zouhair (SCCM)

Defenders: Hanane Ait El Haj, Nouhaila Benzina, Zineb Redouani (all AS FAR), Nesryne El Chad (Lille, France), Rkia Mazrouai (Sporting Charleroi, Belgium), Yasmin Mrabet (Levante, Spain), Sabah Seghir (Napoli, Italy)

Midfielders: Ghizlane Chebbak, Najat Badri (both AS FAR), Anissa Lahmari (Guingamp, France), Sarah Kassi (Fleury, France), Elodie Nakkach (Servette, Switzerland)

Forwards: Salma Amani (Metz, France), Rosella Ayane (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Sofia Bouftini (RS Berkane), Kenza Chapelle (Nantes, France), Fatima Gharbi (CE Europa, Spain), Ibtissam Jraidi (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia),