Morocco’s Boufal: African Cup of Nations Victory Must Be Top Priority

"We have to set our priorities. First, we have to win the CAN. We know very well that it is a difficult and complicated competition, and then we will have all the time to think about the World Cup," said Sofiane Boufal in an interview with the Qatari media AlKass Sports. According to him, "the CAN is different from the World Cup and the circumstances were not in our favor in the past, so we have to have a stronger mentality". It was in 1976 that Morocco won the title, for the only time in its history. The 29-year-old player insists: "In the World Cup, everything is fine, as regards training and stadiums, but it is very different in Africa. We have to be realistic and prepare the tournament well, which will not be easy at all."

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He is pleased that the Lions of the Atlas have maintained the same momentum after the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Recently, Morocco won for the first time in its history against Brazil (2-1) in a friendly match at the Grand Stade de Tanger and drew against Peru (0-0), in a friendly match played on the pitch of the Cívitas Metropolitano stadium in Madrid. "The secret of our continued brilliance is that we have continued what we did at the World Cup. We have a solid defense, an organized attack, talented players and we can make the difference at any time," he said, adding that his teammates and him must not let go and continue at the same pace to return to Morocco with the title of the Africa Cup of Nations.