2024-08-06 02:23:50
“The technical qualities and experience of the players enable them to play at the highest level of African competitions,” Ramzi said at the press conference ahead of the second leg of the AFL final, scheduled for Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
He also stressed that the entire team is determined to represent Morocco well and contribute to the momentum that national football has experienced in recent years.
Noting that his protégés are ready, mentally and physically, to cross swords against the South Africans, he noted that the most important thing is to stay focused on the ultimate goal, namely returning to Morocco with the title.
“The players are motivated and intend to play with the same rhythm and spirit of the first leg, with a view to facing an opponent who has a vision and produces good play on the African level,” he said.
Referring to the absence of Yahya Jabrane during the next match, the coach assured that the other players are ready to take over and remedy this lack.
For his part, midfielder Zakaria Draoui noted that the players are aware of the responsibility they have in this final, pointing out that Mamelodi Sundowns is a good team that has achieved very positive results in recent years.
As for Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokwena, he stressed that the match against Wydad will be very difficult given the great experience the players have in such decisive matches.
“The Wydadis came to South Africa motivated to win after their victory in the first leg in Casablanca,” he added, noting that preparation is the key to obtaining the expected results.
Looking back on the defeat suffered in the first leg in Morocco, he considered that the level of his players was very satisfactory, with good control of the game for long periods, regretting that certain fouls committed led to the goals conceded.
“We know we could have done better, even if playing in Casablanca in front of a crowd so mobilized behind their team is very difficult,” he continued, insisting that his team will certainly be able to play better in front of their own crowd in Pretoria.
The AFL is a competition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) established in partnership with FIFA. One of its main objectives is to ensure that the quality of African club football is globally competitive and that African football clubs are commercially viable.
It also aims to contribute to the development and growth of young football talents on the African continent.
2024-08-06 02:23:50