The disappointment was visible, but so was the determination to move forward.
Morocco's Women's Africa Cup of Nations journey took another emotional turn as the Atlas Lionesses were eliminated by Cameroon on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in the semifinal.
For head coach Jorge Vilda, the result was painful, but the message afterward was clear: take responsibility, protect the players, and begin the recovery process immediately.
Vilda Takes Full Responsibility
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Vilda expressed his disappointment while accepting responsibility for the result.
The Spanish coach emphasized that Morocco had pushed relentlessly for a breakthrough and came extremely close to finding it, particularly during a late opportunity in the 118th minute.
The decisive goal never arrived, sending the semifinal to penalties and ultimately ending Morocco's hopes of reaching the final.
A Painful Moment, But No Time to Dwell
Vilda described the elimination as a "big wound" for the team, but stressed that the Atlas Lionesses must begin healing quickly.
With Morocco scheduled to face Algeria in the third-place playoff just three days later, there is little time for the players to process the disappointment.
The coaching staff will now focus on helping the squad recover physically and emotionally before returning to the pitch.
Standing Behind His Players
Despite the result, Vilda strongly defended his players and praised the fighting spirit they displayed throughout the 120 minutes.
He rejected the idea that the team's entire performance should be judged solely through the final result, emphasizing the effort and development the Atlas Lionesses have shown throughout the tournament.
For the head coach, one missed opportunity or one penalty shootout cannot erase the progress made by the group.
Looking Beyond One Moment
Vilda also pointed to Morocco's missed penalty as a moment that could have dramatically changed the way the match was viewed.
Had Morocco converted, he suggested, the narrative surrounding the performance could have been completely different.
Rather than allowing one moment to define the team, however, the coach called for perspective and continued belief in the players.
The Future Remains Open
Asked about his future with the Atlas Lionesses, Vilda maintained a confident tone.
He explained that the decision ultimately rests with both himself and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which will evaluate the work accomplished and determine the next steps.
For now, his focus remains firmly on the players and the immediate challenge ahead.
One More Battle Awaits
Morocco still has an opportunity to finish the tournament on the podium.
The Atlas Lionesses will face Algeria on Saturday in the third-place playoff, giving the squad a chance to respond to the disappointment and finish their home tournament with a positive result.
The final chapter has not yet been written. There is still one more match, one more opportunity, and one more chance for the Atlas Lionesses to make their supporters proud.