Morocco's U20 Coach: Squad is Strong, Aims for AFCON Final
Rabat – Mohamed Ouahbi, the head coach of Morocco's U20 national team, said his squad's goal is to reach the AFCON final.
'We're very happy and proud to have won the [AFCON] quarterfinal and qualified for the World Cup,' Ouahbi said in a pre-match conference on Wednesday.
'Our goal is to reach the final. We're very happy and proud to have won the quarter-final and qualified for the World Cup,' he said, noting that the players are proud to return to the competition, 20 years after the team first took part in the global event.
'Mentally, I feel the group is strong. They're becoming aware that they've achieved something important,' the coach said.
Morocco will face Egypt in the semi-finals on Thursday, with the Egyptian team having the advantage of playing at home. Morocco's Atlas Cubs have been hailed for their impressive victories throughout the competition and their determination to seal a ticket for the World Cup.
But some fans have shared concerns about the Atlas Cubs needing more strength to defeat Egypt.
'We've shown some great things: solidarity, calmness, control, a lot of composure, and most importantly, efficiency in key moments,' he said, acknowledging that this is not enough.
'Our goal is to reach the final- and win it,' he said, noting that he feels the players are very relaxed.
'You saw all the games- we finished top of our group, and they didn't even celebrate. Mentally, I feel the group is strong.'
But Ouahbi, knowing the strength of his opponent, spoke glowingly of the Egyptian squad even as he pledged his own team's determination to emerge as champions from this tournament.
'I remember a decisive match they played against Tunisia- they absolutely had to win. They got a red card in the first half but still managed to win. It's a team that never gives up,' Ouhabi said, noting that the same happened with Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and Ghana.
'It's a great team with a strong mentality – they won't let go.'
The Atlas cubs will face Egypt at 7 p.m. Moroccan time at the 30 June Stadium. Tags: 2023 AFCON2025 U17 AFCON
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