CAN 2024: facing Zambia, Morocco wants to finish the group stage at the top of its group
Even before their last group match scheduled for this Wednesday, January 24 against Zambia, the Atlas Lions are mathematically qualified for the round of 16.
A first step for coach Walid Regragui and his gang, still determined to win this 34th edition.
The joy of Moroccans after Romain Saïss' goal against Tanzania, January 17, 2024. AP - Themba Hadebe
By: Farid Achache Follow
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From our special correspondent in San Pedro,
“
We are on a mission, we did not come on vacation, we want to make history
,” insists Walid Regragui.
Since the start of the
CAN
,
Morocco
has shown color and assumed its status as favorite after the surprise of the semi-final at the 2022 World Cup.
The Atlas Lions, who have barricaded themselves in a seaside hotel in San Pedro, remain as discreet as possible.
To the point that the Moroccan journalists who came in large numbers are starting to get annoyed – very politely – and would like more communication from the players at the end of the meetings.
Romain Saïss, as captain, still said a few words in the interview area after the draw against the DRC.
Do not relax for Morocco
Tuesday January 23, the former Angers player once again explained the determination of an entire group, who will not be satisfied with anything other than a final victory.
“
We must not relax in this last match against Zambia
,
” he said.
You have to play the game hard to finish in first place in the group.
It's true, we failed in the second half against the
DRC
, we gave this opponent too much space.
But no one cheated, everyone made an effort.
We have to be honest, with matches made difficult by the heat, we have to be smarter.
»
“
It’s positive, we are qualified for the second round.
It's a competition where you have to be humble
,
we can't win all our matches with a three-goal lead
, admits Walid Regragui.
But before, Morocco often waited until the third day to qualify.
There is progress
.
»
“
Morocco is certainly the best team on the continent”
On the Zambian side, we confirm that the confrontation against the Atlas Lions will not be a simple formality to stay on Ivorian soil a little longer.
“
Morocco is certainly the best team on the continent, but we are not giving up the idea of qualifying for the next round
,” says Zambian coach Avram Grant.
The former Chelsea coach, who experienced a CAN final with Ghana in 2015, still remains realistic.
“
I am impressed by what Regragui has done with Morocco,”
he slips.
This team has a good history.
It's been a long time since Zambia came to the CAN, so we are looking for a good performance.
We know that Morocco is stronger than us.
The goalkeeper
(
Yassine Bounou
, editor's note)
is fantastic, the rest of the team too.
I don't see anything reliable about them
.
It will be a great confrontation
.”
Read alsoCalendar and results of CAN 2024
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