CHAN: Morocco will give Madagascar respect they deserve – Sektioui

Morocco head coach Tarik Sektioui has explained why they will have to be cautious when they face Madagascar in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

The Atlas Lions reached the final after overcoming holders Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra-time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Tuesday. Morocco, winners in 2018 and 2020, will now face Madagascar in Saturday’s final in Nairobi, after the island nation beat Sudan earlier in the day.

“It is going to be a very difficult game, but one of our qualities is being modest and respecting every team,” said Sektioui. “We will give them the respect they deserve, but we have to be ready mentally, physically, and tactically to beat them.”

Against Senegal, it was the defending champions, who struck first through Joseph Layousse, who rose highest in the 16th minute to head home from Libasse Guèye’s corner. However, Morocco levelled matters six minutes later when Sabir Bougrine unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the top corner.

For Morocco, it will be a chance to reclaim continental dominance and join the record books with a third CHAN title.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.