A Morocco defender has made historical past by turning into the primary participant to put on a hijab whereas competing at a senior worldwide event.
Nouhaila Benzina wore the headband as she stepped onto the sector towards South Korea in Morocco’s second World Cup match.
FIFA had imposed a nasty on enjoying in non secular head coverings for “well being and security causes” – however that ban was overturned in 2014 after advocacy from activists, athletes and authorities and soccer officers.
Benzina didn’t play in Morocco’s opening 6-0 loss to Germany in Melbourne.
However she performed an essential function in her facet’s line of defense, and picked up a yellow card. Morocco received 1-0.
Morocco are the primary Arab or North African nation to qualify for the Girls’s World Cup.
“We’re honoured to be the primary Arab nation to participate within the Girls’s World Cup,” captain Ghizlane Chebbak stated earlier than event.
“And we really feel that we’ve to shoulder an enormous duty to provide a great picture, to point out the achievements the Moroccan group has made.”
Activists imagine Benzina’s resolution to put on the hijab will encourage others.
“I’ve little question that increasingly more girls and Muslim ladies will take a look at Benzina and simply actually be impressed – not simply the gamers, however I feel resolution makers, coaches, different sports activities as effectively,” stated Assmaah Helal, a co-founder of the Muslim Girls in Sports activities Community.