When Morocco take to the court tomorrow they will make history by becoming the first girls’ team in their nation’s history to contest a quarter-final at the Junior Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Finals.

This is the 36th edition of the competition and never before have Morocco’s girls finished in the top eight, with their previous best being the 12th-place finishes they achieved in 2004 and 2006. Incidentally, the best performance by a Moroccan boys’ team came in 2003, when they also came 12th.

The historical significance of their accomplishment goes deeper as Morocco are only the fourth girls’ team from Africa and first since South Africa in 2011 to be among the world’s top eight in the 16-and-under age category.

A tough quarter-final awaits in the form of Germany, who maintained their 100 per cent record by defeating home favourites Turkey in front of a vociferous, if equally split, crowd. But such is the confidence within the Moroccan camp, they hold no fear.

“It is such an honour to be in the quarters of a big tournament like this,” Morocco captain Mehdi Ait Barhouch told itftennis.com. “The girls have played all year, travelled all summer and sacrificed so much. But they were ready to have good results here.

“On day one I asked what their goals were, and they said, ‘to be world champions’. I said, ‘okay, if we were to take it step by step, what would be your first goal?’. They said they wanted to be the best Moroccan team ever in this tournament and they have done that.

“They are in the quarter-finals so they have reached their first goal, so we will wait and see what tomorrow brings and whether other goals can be reached.”

It was not to be for Morocco on day three of the competition as they succumbed 3-0 to No. 7 seeds Japan in their final pool-stage tie, meaning they trailed their opponents in the final Group C standings.

Their qualification to the knockout stage was already assured, however, following earlier victories over Romania and Chile, during which Malak El Allami and Aya El Aouni returned a perfect record from their singles, although a doubles victory continues to prove elusive.  

“First day, it was a tough tie against Romania, but I think everything started with the first match [between Malak El Allami and Stefania Bojica],” said Ait Barhouch. “It was nearly four hours playing, so when we won this, I think the team had more confidence.

“Again, for these girls to be in the top eight in the world is amazing. It is especially amazing coming from Africa where there are less opportunities and it just makes me so proud. Hopefully this is just the first step in their careers.

“Also, it is not easy for young people in Morocco. Every year we have good junior players, but they have choices to make. Those choices are understandable, but with us being in the quarters here, maybe it can help players try to be professional and play at a higher level.”

Despite today’s loss, El Allami remains in buoyant mood and, after treatment on her shoulder following her doubles showdown alongside Manal Ennaciri, the 15-year-old reflected on the last few days but also pondered what might lie ahead.

“It is a first for Morocco to have reached this stage of the competition and it feels special,” El Allami told itftennis.com.

“We fought for it and we are looking forward to trying to do something even better. What we really want to do is to take the whole championship, that’s the aim.

“But whatever happens, I just love being here representing my country. It feels good to have achieved what we have because it means a lot to play for Morocco, it is such an honour.”

For now, on-court action takes a back seat in favour of this evening’s official players’ dinner. But when play resumes tomorrow, Morocco, with the hand of history firmly on their shoulder, have designs on breaking further ground. Watch this space.