Sektioui: “A Well-Deserved Qualification” – Belammari Praises the Combative Spirit of the Atlas Lions

Moroccan Coach Praises Team’s Hard-Fought Victory in African Nations Championship

The head coach of the Moroccan national local team, Tarik Sektioui, asserted that Morocco’s qualification for the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) was thoroughly deserved, following an intense match against Senegal, which the Moroccans won on penalties (5-3).

"We can be proud of this qualification, achieved against a well-organized Senegalese team that was defensively solid and very dangerous in attack," Sektioui stated at the post-match press conference in Kampala. He praised the determination of the players despite their fatigue, noting that substitutions made in the second half helped the team regain stability and better control the match.

The Moroccan coach also acknowledged that the start of the game had been challenging: "The beginning was not satisfactory, but we managed to respond quickly by making the necessary adjustments." He emphasized the remarkable performance of goalkeeper El Mehdi El Harrar, whom he described as a key player throughout the competition.

Youssef Belammari, named the best player of the match, highlighted the team’s fighting spirit: "The entire team delivered a great performance against a tough opponent. This qualification is the result of collective effort and a strong desire to win," he said.

Belammari added that the team was aware that Senegal, the defending champion, would play with great commitment: "But we proved to be more determined and deserved this victory."

Morocco will face Madagascar in the final, scheduled for this Saturday at 4:00 PM in Nairobi, while Senegal and Sudan will compete for third place on Friday, following Sudan’s narrow defeat (1-0) to Madagascar.