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Rabat – Head coach of Morocco’s U-23 football team Issame Charai defended his choice to deploy players under the age of 19 during the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Egypt on Saturday.
“We counted on young people who are the next generation especially in defence. It was not an adventure, but an investment,” he said, stressing that this will help young talented players to improve.
Morocco defeated Egypt 2-1 on Saturday to win their first U23 AFCON title, a victory that brought pride and happiness for all Moroccans — particularly the team’s coach.
“I am enormously proud. Five games and as many wins, it was not easy. We spent a month together, during which I asked the players daily for work, discipline and concentration, and they did it,” the head coach told the press following the game.
Charai acknowledged the presence of talented Atlas Lions, but said that what is needed is to believe in such talents.
Commenting on the final opponents, Charai stressed that he knew that the Egyptian team was tough.
“They are the defending champion and have not conceded a goal during this competition. With the players, we knew it would be difficult for them, but that they are strong on counterattacks,” he detailed.
Charai also emphasized his goal for the Olympic Games in Paris, stressing that the team must be ambitious as it is now the holder of the Africa title.
“We will go step by step,” he concluded.
Rogerio Micale, Egypt’s coach described Saturday’s game as a “great match,” stressing that although his team played with 10 men only, they created a “danger” for the Atlas Lions.
Both Morocco and Egypt secured a ticket for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris by qualifying to the final.
