Morocco head coach Tariq Sektioui has admitted that assembling the squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals came with significant hurdles.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Sektioui highlighted the impact of key players moving abroad, which disrupted his initial plans.
“The fact that some of the club’s key players have played professionally outside the Moroccan league was one of the biggest challenges that forced him to adjust his plan and add new players to the squad,” Saktioui said.
He acknowledged that the original blueprint for the tournament had to be restructured: “Our previous plan faced numerous difficulties, including the transfer of a number of distinguished players outside the Moroccan league, which necessitated replacing them with older players.”
Despite the setbacks, Sektioui made it clear that the team’s ambition remains unchanged.
“The goal is to win the title, and we have coordinated with Walid Regragui regarding a number of players and the objectives of their participation.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude to local clubs for their cooperation.
“I thank the Moroccan clubs for their understanding of the situation and their assistance in providing players for the national team, even though the preparation period precedes the start of the season.”
The Atlas Lions will face hosts Kenya, as well as Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia in Group A.
The tournament is set to take place from August 2 to 30 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
