CHAN: Morocco aim to beat Kenya and reach first round – Sektioui

Morocco national team head coach Tarik Sektioui has made it clear that their main objective is to beat hosts Kenya and qualify for the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) in East Africa.

The North Africans and Harambee Stars will face off at Kasarani Stadium in a Group A contest. For Morocco, a win will mean they reach the last eight.

“Our main objective is to get through the first round and that means a victory against Kenya,” said Sektioui ahead of the match. “The match against the host country will be approached with the same will and determination to seek the three points of victory.”

“Kenya has played well and the match against them will be difficult. We must give our all for 90 minutes on the pitch to achieve a positive result,” he added, underlining that every player in his squad “has abilities and adds value to the team’s performance.”

This encounter marks Morocco’s first-ever CHAN meeting with Kenya, but the Atlas Lions’ record against East African sides offers confidence: unbeaten in five matches, with three wins and two draws.

“It’s a double-edged sword that you have to manage well to put in a good performance,” admitted Sektioui. “The match will be difficult because we will play against the host country which will be more motivated by its public, but we have prepared well to start this match well.

“Preparations are going well and we are ready to make the difference against Kenya. We will give our all during this match and secure the three points of victory.”