Rabat – Morocco’s Atlas Lions will lock horns today with Guinea’s national football team in the opening game of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The much-anticipated game will kick off at 9:00 pm GMT+1 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
The match will be broadcast live on Moroccan sports channel Arriyadia TV, in its TNT version.
Speaking about today’s clash, Guinea’s coach Morlaye Cisse stressed his team’s readiness as well as their confidence to produce a strong performance.
“We are aware of our potential and must use it,” Cissee stressed, explaining that the team’s recent positive results are a testimony to their hard work.
The Guinean squad has been in Rabat for 12 days, gearing up for the much-anticipated encounter.
“We are happy to be here, and we must keep our objectives in mind,” said Guinean striker Algassime Bah.
Bah highlighted the strong relationship that unites the team, saying that the players have known each other since they were 15 years old.
“We know each other perfectly … We are a family and are aware that this U23 African Cup of Nations is the last step in our junior course and we want to make an impression,” the footballer added.
Likewise, the Moroccan team, which features outstanding players like Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Bilal El Khannouss, is keen on producing a remarkable performance.
“The Federation has put us in excellent conditions in view of this tournament and we must represent the country well. We must not make mistakes,” said Morocco’s coach Issame Charai.
Moroccan footballer Ismail Saibari echoed the coach’s statement saying that the team will follow the Atlas Lions’ lead in light of their fairytale performance at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
“We can’t fail because our elders showed us the way in the last World Cup and it is now up to us to imitate them,” he said.
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