Morocco Faces Tough Challenge in Africa Cup of Nations Despite Favorite Status

"The match was not easy, and it was predictable, and we knew that Morocco’s first opponent against Congo was the climate, the heat and the humidity," said Badou Zaki in an interview with the Egyptian channel "Ten tv", noting that the Atlas Lions suffered during the match. "Over time, we began to see the problem of the physical reserve of the Moroccan team, while the opposing team was imposing itself, creating opportunities and could have caused the surprise," he commented.

The Africa Cup of Nations differs from other competitions due to the hot weather and the physical strength of the opponents, emphasized the former goalkeeper of the Atlas Lions, adding that "the national team (Moroccan) was lucky to get away with a draw, and also has a chance to win its third match." The new coach of Niger believes that the Moroccan team remains one of the favorites of the competition and can win the title or at least reach the final.

And he concluded: "We know that the CAN is not easy, and all the teams that have a history like Egypt, Tunisia, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire have the ability to win, that’s why I say that the Moroccan team is one of the candidates for the title, but it won’t be easy."