The only goal of the match was the work of midfielder Azeddine ounahi in the 36th minute of the first half.
Before the start of this meeting, the players of the two selections posed for a souvenir photo with a sign of solidarity with the victims of the earthquake which struck several regions of the Kingdom last Friday.Also, a minute of silence was observed in tribute to the victims.
The Atlas Lions took matters into their own hands from the start of the match, exerting increasing pressure on the Burkina faso midfielder and defense.
after a succession of unsuccessful attacks which came up against the Burkinabè defensive wall, the efforts of oualid Regragui’s protégés ended up paying off in the 36th minute through Azeddine Ounahi who opened the scoring for the national team, following a superb tiki-taka with Amine Adli in front of the opposing team’s penalty area.
After the break,the Atlas Lions increased the pressure on Burkina Faso and increased the attacks,notably through Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Amine Adli.
The return to play in the 67th minute of Ismael Saibari and Zakaria Aboukhlal respectively replacing Selim Amellah and Amine Adli gave new life to the Moroccan offensive line which increased its attacks.
The main part was achieved by Oualid Regragui’s men during this friendly match, which is part of the preparations for the next official matches of the Atlas Lions.
As a reminder,the match which was to pit the Moroccan selection against its Liberian counterpart on Saturday evening in Agadir,on behalf of the last day of the qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations (CAN-2023),was postponed until later. later date, following the earthquake in the Al Haouz region
How vital is player rotation for maintaining performance in international football,according to Dr. Khalid Benali?
Interview with Football Analyst Dr. Khalid Benali on the Atlas Lions’ Recent Performance and Impact of National Events
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. khalid Benali. The recent friendly match between Morocco and Burkina Faso showcased some impressive play from the Atlas Lions. Can you give us your thoughts on azeddine Ounahi’s performance notably in the 36th minute?
Dr. Khalid benali: Thank you for having me. Azeddine Ounahi’s goal was a pivotal moment in the match.It not only exemplified his skill but also highlighted the evolving dynamics of the Moroccan midfield. The tiki-taka play with amine Adli was a brilliant execution of teamwork, and it seems that Coach Oualid Regragui is fostering a cohesive attacking strategy. This goal is further proof of how critical a midfielder’s creativity can be in breaking down a tough defense.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of teamwork, prior to the match, players posed for a photo in solidarity with earthquake victims. How do these types of gestures affect team morale and public perception?
Dr. Khalid Benali: Such gestures are incredibly important. They not only show respect and empathy for those affected by natural disasters but also serve to unify the team. It can elevate their performance as they rally around a cause greater than football. The public sees these players as not just sports figures but as compassionate representatives of their nation. This can enhance fan support and national pride, which is crucial, especially during preparations for major competitions like the African Cup of Nations.
Time.news Editor: The match saw the Atlas Lions maintain pressure on their opponents throughout. What implications do you think this has for their upcoming qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations?
Dr. Khalid benali: The sustained pressure and offensive strategy they implemented against Burkina Faso is promising for their upcoming qualifiers. It indicates the team’s readiness and adaptability to exploit defensive weaknesses. With the postponement of the match against Liberia due to the earthquake, this friendly provided an essential opportunity to refine strategies and build on team dynamics, which is vital as they head into official competition.
Time.news Editor: The substitutions in the second half seemed to inject new energy into the game. Can you discuss the importance of player rotation and its effects on performance?
Dr. Khalid Benali: absolutely. Effective player rotation is crucial, especially in high-stakes matches. When Regragui brought on Ismael Saibari and Zakaria Aboukhlal, it not only freshened the attacking line but also allowed for different tactical plays. Fresh legs can exploit tired defenses, creating more scoring opportunities. This depth in the squad will be instrumental in maintaining high performance during grueling international fixtures.
Time.news Editor: With the African Cup of Nations on the horizon, what practical advice would you give to fans and aspiring players watching the Atlas Lions?
Dr. Khalid benali: For fans, staying engaged and supporting the team can have a profound impact. Attendance at matches and vocal support boosts player morale. For aspiring players, the key takeaway from the Atlas Lions’ approach is the importance of teamwork and technical skills. Emulating their tiki-taka style and focusing on fluid communication and movement can greatly enhance young players’ development.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Benali, for sharing your insights on the Atlas Lions and their future in the African Cup of Nations.
Dr. Khalid Benali: My pleasure! It’s always exciting to discuss the spirit and progress of Moroccan football.
Keywords: Atlas Lions, Azeddine Ounahi, burkina Faso, African Cup of Nations, Oualid regragui, football tactics, player rotation, team morale.