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Rabat — Moroccan national coach Tarik Sektioui acknowledged his team’s struggles, post securing the third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title yesterday.
Speaking to Morocco’s News Agency (MAP) after the game, Sektioui admitted that his team “paid dearly for our drop in concentration and pace by conceding two goals.”
The comments came as the Moroccan side showed resilience in recovering from their early setbacks and securing the championship.
Morocco secured their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title on Saturday with a thrilling comeback victory against Madagascar at Nairobi’s Moi International Stadium, capping off a remarkable tournament performance.
The Atlas Lions had to overcome significant challenges throughout the competition, including a dramatic final where they conceded two goals before fighting back to claim victory.
Morocco’s path to glory proved particularly impressive given the circumstances surrounding their preparation.
Captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, who earned the tournament’s best player award, revealed that his teammates faced major logistical hurdles.
“We went through many difficulties, such as travel between the three organizing countries and the late call-up of the squad, but the title was achieved,” Hrimat explained.
The team’s preparation time proved especially challenging. Sektioui assembled his squad in just 48 hours before the tournament began, a remarkable feat that Hrimat praised as “exceptional and remarkable work.”
Top scorer Oussama Lamlioui highlighted Morocco’s fighting spirit during the final.
“The players showed exceptional fighting spirit during this very close match against Madagascar, who had fast players. We knew this match would be difficult, but our will to win and claim the title was stronger,” he said.
Lamlioui credited his teammates for his individual success as the tournament’s leading goalscorer. “Being named top scorer of the championship would not have been possible without the contribution of my teammates and their decisive support, which allowed me to realize collective work,” he acknowledged.
The tournament presented unique challenges for Morocco, Hrimat noted.
“The CHAN schedule is somewhat difficult because it coincides with the start of the season, and we played against national teams whose players have been playing together for a long time,” he said.
Despite these obstacles, Morocco demonstrated their class throughout the competition, which took place across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2-30.
Sektioui dedicated the victory to King Mohammed VI, commending the monarch’s impact on Moroccan football development.
“I dedicate this title to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, because if Moroccan football has reached such heights, it is thanks to his enlightened vision and clear-sighted strategy for the real development of national football,” the coach declared.
The victory adds to Morocco’s impressive CHAN record and reinforces their status as one of Africa’s premier footballing nations, particularly at the domestic player level that CHAN represents.
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