Morocco’s CHAN Coach Defends Tournament’s Importance Ahead of Final Showdown

During the pre-final press conference against Madagascar, Sektioui stated that the CHAN is a serious competition that gives local players the opportunity to reveal themselves and hope for a call-up to the senior team. "National football and its representation at the African Cup of Nations for local players are not secondary, as it has given us many players who have then joined the senior national team," he argued, adding that "any player who has the honor of wearing the national jersey feels pride and esteem. This participation is an honor and at the same time a responsibility."

These comments from Sektioui come just a day after the declarations of coach Walid Regragui, who seemed not to attach great importance to the CHAN compared to the other competitions played by the senior team. "Participation in national team selections of different age groups, from the local team to the under-20 and under-23 selections, is a strong motivation for the players and gives them an additional boost to develop their level," Sektioui insisted, stressing that "joining the senior team is a legitimate dream for every player."

The Moroccan technician specified that "the African Cup of Nations for local players does not influence the FIFA ranking," but this does not detract from its importance as a continental competition. To recall, the Atlas Lions will challenge Niger on September 5 at the Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat, before flying to Lusaka to face their Zambian counterparts on September 8, as part of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.