Arab Cup: Morocco knocks down Saudi Arabia and secures the top of the group in pain

The Lusail stadium was the scene of a tactical deliverance on Monday. The victory by the smallest of margins against Hervé Renard’s men is enough to delight the national team. Karim El Berkaoui’s goal seals the fate of the match and allows Mohamed Rabie Hrimat’s teammates to double their opponents in the final standings, claiming first place with seven points, just ahead of the Green Falcons.

Tarik Sektioui does not hide the complexity of the task accomplished. The coach recalls that his squad was in a delicate position before kick-off, with the imperative obligation to win. The opposition offered by Saudi Arabia, a team accustomed to global battles and physically ready, required a total expenditure of energy to counter its organization.

This success was built despite a glaring lack of collective experience against an opposing group that has been playing together for a long time. The Moroccan technician had to deal with a full infirmary and major absences, citing the withdrawals of Youssef Mehri, the injury of Achraf Bencharki, the absence of Walid Azaro or the suspension of Abderrazak Hamdallah. Despite these headwinds, the players have "sweated the jersey", a warrior attitude saluted by the coach who believes that his protégés fought for the flag.

The rest of the tournament will require permanent adaptation. Sektioui promises to maintain this pragmatic approach match after match, until the hoped-for final. The Atlas Lions, supported by a very large number of supporters, now have a few days of respite to prepare for their quarter-final against Syria, scheduled for Thursday, December 11.