Atlas Lions Roar into CHAN Final: Morocco Edges Senegal in Thrilling Penalty Shootout

"We can only be proud of this qualification, which was very difficult against Senegal, a team that has tactically disciplined players, solid defenders and powerful attackers," said Tarik Sektioui after the semi-final match against Senegal, won by the Atlas Lions (1-1, 5-3 on penalties). The Moroccan team managed to defeat a solid Senegalese team, securing their ticket to the tournament final. "The players of the national team were certainly tired, but they showed great determination to win," said the Moroccan coach, adding that "the changes made in the second half gave us better stability, which allowed us to regain control of the game."

For Sektioui, this match "was decided on details, but we had to remain vigilant even though Senegal let go in the second half of extra time." The Moroccan coach admits that there were imperfections at the start of the match, "but we made the necessary adjustments, which allowed us to manage the game well." Sektioui also praised the remarkable performance of goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar "who has shown his qualities in this competition."

In the same vein, Youssef Belammari, named man of the match, congratulated the team for this well-deserved victory against Senegal. "The players of the national team showed a very high fighting spirit. This qualification is well deserved given our journey in this competition," he said, before adding: "We were more determined and more eager to win the match. All the players had a great game and they deserve this qualification." Sektioui’s men will face Madagascar in the final this Saturday in Nairobi (Kenya), starting at 4pm. The third-place match, scheduled for the day before, will oppose Sudan to Senegal, the defending champions.