CHAN: “I hope we’ve improved offensively” – Morocco coach Sektioui

Morocco head coach Tarik Sektioui has made it clear that their mission is to beat Zambia for the three points in their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) fixture at Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday.

The Atlas Lions will head into the Group A battle a wounded side having lost their last assignment 1-0 against hosts Kenya. Meanwhile, the Chipolopolo under the tutelage of former Chelsea and Portsmouth coach Avram Grant, kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 defeat against two-time CHAN champions DR Congo before losing 2-1 against Angola.

“We are disappointed with the result, but that is part of football,” said Sektioui while addressing the media. “We learned from it and, from the next day, we projected ourselves with a positive state of mind, determined to obtain a good result against Zambia.”

“The gaps have narrowed. Mentally, technically, tactically, physically… everyone is working hard. You saw how Kenya was carried by their fans or how Angola beat Zambia by the skin of their teeth.
“We take every match seriously; the players are committed, and I hope we’ve improved offensively. Our ambition is clear: to take the three points.”

Against Kenya, Morocco, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory against Angola and arrived on a 14-match unbeaten CHAN run, were made to look ordinary by a disciplined, combative home team roared on by a packed crowd.

The two teams have faced each other 20 times in the past. The Atlas Lions have won 12 matches, while Zambia have claimed victory six times. The two teams met at the 2020 edition of the CHAN where Morocco defeated Chipolopolo 3-1 in the quarterfinals on their way to the title.