2024-07-30 12:37:50
“After the group stage, it’s now another competition. We no longer have the right to make mistakes. Any bad result will force us to go home. We are motivated to qualify for the quarter-finals,” said the national coach, in a pre-match press conference.
“We must be humble. We will play on our qualities to reach the quarter-finals. It will be a very difficult match,” added Regragui, noting that the Moroccan selection, which has always had difficulties in the past in CAN tournaments, will play this match with a new state of mind.
“I don’t want to dwell on the past. We have a lot of respect for South Africa. They are the first and only team that beat us after the World Cup. They will face another team on Tuesday that has nothing to do with the one they faced last June,” he warned.
“After our match against the DR Congo, we were criticized for our performance, but now this team eliminates Egypt and goes to the quarter-finals,” he noted.
“I am very satisfied with the results we have achieved so far. We are on the right track. In San Pedro, there is a very high humidity level. Several teams that have played here have complained about it,” he added, noting that playing the CAN in sub-Saharan Africa has always been complicated for North African teams.
“South Africa has several players playing in the same club (Mamelodi Sundowns/Editor’s note). They have automatisms and work together every day. That’s what makes this team strong,” he observed, noting that the Moroccan selection is prepared for all scenarios during this match.
According to the national coach, “the most important thing is to create situations in front of goal. We must be more efficient and make the least defensive errors.”
The national coach also returned to the withdrawal of Sofiane Boufal for the rest of the competition.
“The CAN is over for Sofiane. It happened during training. He contracted a muscle injury which will prevent him from continuing the tournament, barring a miracle,” said Regragui.
“For Hakim Ziyech, he has an ankle injury. We are working every hour and minute to make him available for the national team against South Africa,” he added.
“It is obvious that they are two key players of the national team who are decisive in the offensive line, but the bench is capable of taking over,” he continued.
As for full-back Noussair Mazraoui, Regragui indicated that he is now ready to play against South Africa.
“The plan we put in place worked well. Noussair is now fit,” he said.
The Moroccan selection qualified for the round of 16 by finishing at the top of Group F with seven points, obtained in two victories against Tanzania (3-0) and Zambia (1-0) and a draw against the DR Congo (1-1).
For its part, South Africa finished in 2nd place in group E with four points behind Mali (5 pts).
2024-07-30 12:37:50