Morocco A’ - United Arab Emirates: Hamdallah returns, Sektoui and Olăroiu launch the semi-final battle

The final four has been reached, but the appetite grows as you eat. This Monday at 3:30 pm, the Moroccan A’ national team plays its most important match of the tournament against the United Arab Emirates. While the stakes are colossal, the national technical staff approach this appointment with a mix of calm and determination. Tarik Sektoui has assured that his group is fully prepared, driven by a mission that goes beyond the simple sporting framework: "The joy of the Moroccans is our engine. It pushes us to work harder and overcome all difficulties."

To force the Emirati lock, the Moroccan coach will be able to count on a heavyweight reinforcement. Suspended for the last two matches, Abderrazak Hamdallah is back in the squad. "Hamdallah is an exceptional player. His return is a huge plus, whether technically, mentally or in terms of leadership," the coach emphasized. Good news never comes alone, the infirmary is also emptying: injured against Syria, Tarik Tissoudali is fully recovered and is a candidate either as a starter or as an option during the game.

It won’t be a walk in the park, however. Sektoui, familiar with Gulf football, is wary of the technical quality of the opponent. "It won’t be an easy game. The Emirates have a solid and experienced team. This forces us to remain focused and disciplined from start to finish," he warned. An analysis shared by the opposing camp, where Cosmin Olăroiu expects a physical duel against the North African power. The Romanian coach of the Emirates, however, points to a disadvantage: the short recovery period after an exhausting run against Jordan, Egypt and Algeria.

Despite heavy legs, the Emirates are betting everything on mental toughness. Olăroiu, who is preparing "several scenarios" to counter the Moroccan momentum, recalls that his team knows how to hunker down and come back if necessary. Without a true fixed center-forward, he is counting on the versatility of his players to surprise. The stage is set for a clash of styles where every detail will count.