Morocco’s Coach Cautiously Optimistic Ahead of Crucial World Cup Qualifier

On Tuesday, the Moroccans will know if the Atlas Lions will get their ticket for a sixth participation in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Before giving his opinion on the match to be held this Tuesday, Vahid Halilhodzic returned to the performance of Morocco in Kinshasa last Friday, which was the subject of criticism, especially regarding the tactical choices of the coach.

"Yes, it’s true that our offensive play in the first leg was not convincing. But fortunately the entry of Tissoudali and El Kaabi brought us more and we were able to bring back a draw from Kinshasa," justified the national coach.

Speaking of the return match, Vahid Halilhodzic said that all the players are determined to secure a ticket for the World Cup. For him, with the result obtained under such difficult conditions as those of Kinshasa, the Moroccan players are capable of the best in Casablanca.

"We played 6 home games. And the play-off match against the DRC will not be easy. There was a lot of pressure on us," he said before adding: "For the return match in Casablanca, I am optimistic, but nothing is yet won."