Morocco defender Benzina becomes the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup

Morocco defender Benzina became the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup, making history on Sunday.

Morocco is currently 55 rungs below South Korea in the women’s world rankings, however, the African side made an early breakthrough with their first-ever World Cup goal in the sixth minute from striker Ibtissam Jraidi.

The debutantes Morocco bagged their first-ever victory at the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win over South Korea in their second Group H encounter at Australia’s Hindmarsh Stadium.

Other than their debut victory, Nouhaila Benzina stole the spotlight as she became the first player ever to wear a hijab at a World Cup match.

Benzina played a crucial role in the match against South Korea showcasing her defensive skills while also coming close to scoring a goal with her attacking skills.

Benzina, 25, plays professional football in Morocco for AS FAR (Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal).

Unfortunately, Benzina was an unused substitute in Morocco’s first World Cup game against Germany, a 6-0 defeat, before her landmark moment against South Korea on Sunday.

Wearing a hijab has been a different matter on the global stage with FIFA banning wearing it for a number of years on health and safety grounds.

That ban was lifted in 2014 and the Under-17 Women’s World Cup that year, staged in Jordan, marking the first time Muslim players were allowed to wear wore headscarves.