Kenya Faces Tough Test as Morocco’s Atlas Lions Seek CHAN 2024 Glory

In the pre-match press conference, coach Tarik Sektioui summarized the stakes: "Our main objective is to get through the first round and that goes through a victory against Kenya. The match against the host country will be negotiated with the same will and determination to seek the three points of victory." The Moroccan technician, in search of a third title in this competition, recalls that the match will be played against a team "that has had good matches" and that it will be necessary to "give everything for 90 minutes" to obtain a favorable result.

After their initial success against Angola (2-0), the Moroccans did not play in the second round, a consequence of the format with five teams. A one-week break that the coach considers a "double-edged sword" and that he hopes to exploit well. He also emphasizes the quality and commitment of all the summoned elements, convinced that each one "brings added value to the group’s game".

On the players’ side, the approach is clear. Oussama Lamlioui, interviewed on the eve of the match, announces the color: "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." He insists on the collective state of mind: "The preparations are going well and we are ready to make the difference against Kenya. We will give the maximum during this match and win the three points of victory."

On the other side, the Harambee Stars have shown solid arguments. For their first participation in the CHAN, they beat DR Congo (1-0) before sharing the points with Angola (1-1). Their coach, Benni McCarthy, knows what to expect: "Morocco is a solid and well-organized team. The match will be difficult against one of the best teams not only in our group, but in the championship." He recalls that his players had less time to recover: "Morocco had a week to prepare for this match, while we played our last match only two days ago."

For McCarthy, the key will be to capitalize on the assets seen since the start of the tournament: "Several positive things have emerged from our first two matches, such as resilience and strong character, and I hope this will be seen against Morocco. Morocco is unpredictable and that’s why we have to produce quality and be more organized in all areas of the game."

The kick-off of the match will be at 1 pm local time at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani. The broadcast is scheduled on BeIN Sports 6.