Marrakech – Moroccan national team coach Tarik Sektioui described Sunday’s match against DR Congo as a “final” ahead of their crucial CHAN 2024 Group A encounter. Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Nairobi on Saturday, Sektioui stressed the decisive nature of the game for both teams.
“We can consider this match as a final. It’s very important for us and for DR Congo,” Sektioui said. “We are fully aware of what’s at stake, determined and motivated to win.”
The Atlas Lions will face DR Congo at Nyayo Stadium in what will determine their progression to the next round of the tournament. Sektioui’s team currently sits in second place with 6 points from three matches following their 3-1 victory over Zambia.
Sektioui pointed out DR Congo’s strengths, noting they possess quick players in transition. “DR Congo is strong in long balls and set pieces. They also have good headers and fast players. These are their strengths. We must stop them,” he explained.
The coach plans to organize Morocco’s gameplay according to their opponent’s specific characteristics. “In this type of competition, there are no weak or strong teams. What makes the difference is what happens on the field and mental and physical preparation,” Sektioui said.
He also mentioned DR Congo’s history in the tournament as additional motivation. “DR Congo has won CHAN twice before, which is one more reason to play good football and control the match,” he stated.
Sektioui’s squad has faced challenges with injuries and player availability. “We lost two very good players with Assal and Mouloua. I hope they recover quickly,” he said. He added that the team lost 11 players after the transfer window and two more to injuries.
Read also: Sektioui: Hakimi Fully Deserves Ballon d’Or
Despite these setbacks, Sektioui remains confident. “We weren’t even at 50%, but we compensated with an exemplary mindset and technical qualities. We’re growing day by day in the competition.”
The coach insisted on maintaining humility against their opponents. “If we look down on our opponents, it means we have a ‘big head.’ We are very modest in our values and way of life. DR Congo is a team that’s difficult to beat.”
National team defender Mohamed Moufid echoed his coach’s sentiments, saying the players are aware of their responsibility. “We know the match will be difficult against a compact and aggressive team. We’ve analyzed their weaknesses and strengths. We’ll be ready and will win the three points,” Moufid said.
The victory against Zambia earlier in the tournament boosted the team’s confidence. After that match, Sektioui praised his players’ mental strength, saying: “The players were mentally strong and managed the game well to secure this deserved victory.”
For Sektioui and his players, the objective is clear: win against DR Congo to advance to the next round of CHAN 2024. “This is a decisive match and our primary goal is to reach the second round. We will do everything to be ready, managing the game with heart and intelligence,” Sektioui concluded.
