2024-04-29 10:09:22
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the match against Tanzania, Regragui indicated that the national team staff had managed to recover some players, while others were still injured, noting that “the elements that will come into play tomorrow will give their all to bring back a positive result.”
Furthermore, the national coach was pleased to have arrived in Tanzania in advance to prepare well for the match against the “Taifas Stars,” noting that Moroccan staff and players are ready and know their responsibility.
This match is very important, given that it will be the first for the national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Regragui underlined, noting that his team is motivated “as usual” to achieve a good result.
“It’s the start of qualifying and we know it’s a long road to reach a World Cup. And it starts with tomorrow’s match!” he said.
For him, there is no longer an easy match. Concentration is essential to achieve a positive result “like any team that dreams of going to the World Cup.”
Asked about the preparation schedule following the withdrawal of Eritrea from Group E in which Morocco is placed as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Regragui stressed that it was not possible to schedule a friendly match in order to to have rhythm, explaining that all the national teams were engaged in competitions.
“We do not consider the Tanzanian team as inferior,” he insisted, noting that the Tanzanian players are “overmotivated” because “it is the match of the year for them”.
“They are playing in front of their home crowd. What’s more, after their victory against Niger they will be confident,” added the national coach.
“We approach these qualifications like a mini-championship and we know that in the end, we have to finish first,” he said, noting that “it’s a marathon to qualify and we will respect all the teams of the group”.
For his part, Achraf Hakimi noted that African football has progressed and that all matches will now be difficult, noting that the national team arrived in advance in Tanzania to better prepare, get an idea on the field and adapt to the climatic conditions of the country.
Tanzania’s strong point is its team play, he assured, adding that the captain of this team, Mbwana Ally Samatta, is “a great striker”.
The Moroccan selection is housed in group E of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers alongside Congo, Niger, Tanzania and Zambia.
2024-04-29 10:09:22