FIFA Women's World Cup: Nouhaila Benzina First Player To Play In Hijab In Morocco's Maiden Win In Tournament

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Nouhaila Benzina did not play in Morocco's campaign opener against Germany.

Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco controls the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between South Korea and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia

Source : Getty Images

It was history in the making at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 match between South Korea and Morocco. The match witnessed an unprecedented feat as Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first senior-level player to play in Hijab. It is pertinent to note that a ban on playing in religious head coverings in FIFA's sanctioned games for "health and safety reasons" was lifted in 2014 following efforts from activists, athletes, and government and football officials.

"I have no doubt that more and more women and Muslim girls will look at Benzina and just really be inspired – not just the players, but I think decision makers, coaches, other sports as well," said Assmaah Helal, a co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network as quoted in an Associated Press report.

Talking about Morocco in the FIFA Women's World Cup, placed in Group H, the team has played two matches so far. While they succumbed to a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Germany in their opening game in Melbourne in which Benzina did not play, she did earn a start in the team's second match against South Korea in Adelaide which is when she donned the Hijab. Morocco went on to win this game 1-0 which marks their first-ever Morroco will take on Colombia in their final Group H match. Ibtissam Jraïdi's 6th minute goal  turned out to be the difference between the two sides.

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Notably, Morocco, ranked 72 in the world, has become the inaugural Arab or North African country to qualify for the Women's World Cup which makes their stunning win over South Korea all the more significant.

"We are honoured to be the first Arab country to take part in the Women’s World Cup," Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak told reporters before tournament.

"And we feel that we have to shoulder a big responsibility to give a good image, to show the achievements the Moroccan team has made,” she had said.

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