Morocco-Central Africa: new performance test for the Atlas Lions

Friday 11th October 2024 06:18 PM

Automatically qualified for the final phase of the African Cup 2025 as host country of the tournament, the Morocco participates in playoffs in order to prepare for the competition and stay on the same wavelength as the other competing teams. After winning his first two playoff duels against Gabon (4-1) and the Lesotho (1-0), the national team plays the matches of the third and fourth days of the playoffs against the Central African Republic. For this international outing in October, the national coach, Walid Regraguishould opt for an offensive game to try to score goals in the first period. Coach Walid should also take advantage of these CAN qualifier matches to find solutions against a defense that is folded into a low block.

In fact, the Lions of the Atlas are struggling to find solutions to this style of play advocated by a large number of teams on the continent. The defensive aspect of the national team will also be a priority for the national coach. The team had displayed some shortcomings in this sector of play during the last two matches against Gabon and Lesotho. These two meetings will also constitute a first for the six new players called up by Walid Regragui.

Studious atmosphere among the Atlas Lions before the match against Central Africa

After five days of preparation for Mohammed VI football complex in Maâmora, the national team headed to the town ofOujda in anticipation of the match against the Central African Republic. Thursday evening, the protégés of Walid Regragui carried out a final training session before leaving for Oujda. Like the other sessions, the atmosphere was studious and the players put more intensity into their tactical work. According to the AS Monaco left winger, Eliesse Ben Séghirthere was good cohesion within the group and the technical staff recommended tactical work. “We have redoubled our efforts in training. We worked a lot on the tactical aspect required by coach Walid, with more intensity to meet the upcoming deadlines. We try to recover well to perform well during the match, meet the expectations of the public and give them pleasure,” the 19-year-old told the FRMF media unit.

Concerning the state of mind within the team, Ben Séghir assured that cohesion reigned in the group and that the new elements were immediately well received by the old ones. “The new players were very well received, like everyone who joins the group for the first time. We are a family, we integrate them quickly,” underlined the AS Monaco winger.