2024-07-31 15:55:52
“We still have the same mentality. In this competition, there are always surprises. It is not an easy match. Zambia will defend its chances to qualify for the last 16. No matter who we play (in the last 16, Editor’s note), the important thing is to finish on top,” he said at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday at the Laurent Pokou stadium in San Pedro.
“We are focused on getting the three points. Zambia has nothing to lose and will go on the offensive. It will be a tactical match because even a draw would see the Zambians qualify. It is a good test before the round of 16,” he said.
“We were criticised after the second match against DR Congo, but the players did the job. Playing at 2pm was tough, we couldn’t expect anything from the players,” he said, adding that against Zambia, “we have to think about the players who have already received yellow cards. We will think about that.”
“We’re getting almost everyone back. We lost a lot of energy in the two previous matches, but that’s the tournament. The players are at a very high level and can play every two or three days,” he explained.
“Certainly, there are players who deserve playing time, but there is also competition for all positions. We will make the necessary choices to win this match,” he said, indicating that even Noussair Mazraoui, who is recovering from an injury, could be part of the group against Zambia.
For his part, the captain of the Atlas Lions, Ghanem Saïss indicated that the objective of the national team is to seek first place.
“Other teams have not yet qualified. We have to play the game to the full. The important thing is to play a very good match and finish in 1st place,” he continued.
Commenting on the draw (1-1) of the Atlas Lions against the DR Congo, he assured that this result is beneficial for the players.
“It’s better to draw at this stage of the competition. It will help us grow, move forward on the right path and gain momentum,” he said.
Morocco will face Zambia on Wednesday (21:00 GMT+1) for the third and final day (Group F) of the first round of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) football tournament.
At the end of the second day, the Atlas Lions are at the top of their group with 4 points, ahead of the DR Congo and Zambia (2 pts). Tanzania is fourth with only one point.
The national team, assured, at least, of finishing among the four best third-placed teams in view of the results of the matches of the 3rd day of groups A and B, played on Monday, is officially qualified for the round of 16 of CAN-2023.
2024-07-31 15:55:52