Assahafa.com
Morocco’s local national team are through to the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after what coach Tarik Sektioui called one of their toughest games so far.
The Atlas Lions got past Senegal in a tight contest, and Sektioui admitted the result carried huge weight for the players and the fans. “This joy that we see today on your faces is very expressive,” he told Arriyadia TV. “We are always at the service of national football, and whenever results and successes come, it is an honour for us to see the smile on the faces of all Moroccans. Thank Allah, this is something that warms the heart.
“I always told the players: I love them a lot, and I am honoured to work with them, because they have great value and a sincere love for serving national football. They carry Morocco in their hearts, and for that reason Allah never lets them down.”
Sektioui said the opposition were formidable. “The match was very difficult, to be honest. We faced a team that is the title-holder from the last edition, with highly skilled players. Before facing us, only one goal had been scored against them. They are well-organised, with great defensive and offensive balance.”
The coach also pointed to the toll of a packed fixture list. “Perhaps some fatigue showed on us, because of the continuous pressure of matches, and there is not enough time for recovery. The players do not have a sufficient physical base because of the density of the games.”
Still, he described the win as a turning point. “I am happy with this victory, which was never easy at all. For me, this is a coronation in itself. But it does not prevent us, starting tomorrow, from being even more motivated to achieve the bigger goal: winning the cup.”
Morocco have qualified for the CHAN final for the third time in history, having won the last two editions in 2018 and 2022. They will face Madagascar next Saturday at 4:00 pm at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Source: Morocco word news
