Thierry Muyoma, head coach of the Gabonese national football team, praised Morocco’s contributions to African football, citing the country’s recent accomplishments on the international stage as the fruit of a long-standing, ambitious sports policy.
Speaking at a press conference in Liverpool on Friday, where he announced Gabon’s lineup for their African Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco, Muyoma attributed Morocco’s success to a well-established sports strategy that has been years in the making.
“The achievements of Moroccan teams across various levels internationally are the result of a highly ambitious sports policy,” Muyoma noted.
He highlighted Morocco’s historic journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a testament to the effectiveness of these efforts, emphasizing that the kingdom has established itself as a leader in African sports development.
“Morocco’s determination to become Africa’s foremost sports nation is evident in its recent accomplishments, especially in football,” he continued, praising the political commitment shown in the country to develop sports infrastructure and opportunities.
Muyoma pointed to Morocco as a role model for African nations, adding that the country’s focused investment in sports is now yielding significant results.
He specifically praised the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which was inaugurated by King Mohammed VI in 2010, for producing elite talent.
The academy has been instrumental in the rise of Morocco’s football prowess, developing young players with international-level skills.
Muyoma also acknowledged Morocco’s contributions to African football through infrastructure-sharing initiatives.
He commended the country for offering its state-of-the-art facilities, including training centers and stadiums, to other African nations and for organizing continental tournaments that promote regional cooperation.
The Gabonese coach stressed the need to further strengthen sports ties between Morocco and Gabon, countries he described as “brother nations with close relations.”
He encouraged Gabon to benefit from Morocco’s expertise, which he believes could advance Gabon’s national sports development.
Looking ahead to the upcoming qualifier between the “Panthers” and Morocco’s “Atlas Lions,” Muyoma stated that his team is aiming to secure all three points, which would ensure their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations without needing a favorable result from their final game against the Central African Republic.
Muyoma praised Morocco’s defensive strength, noting that they have only conceded one goal in the qualifiers.
However, he expressed optimism over the return of star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed Gabon’s October matches against Lesotho.
“Aubameyang’s presence will positively influence his teammates as they prepare to challenge Morocco’s defense,” he said.
Reflecting on Gabon’s previous encounter with Morocco, Muyoma added, “I believe we have learned from our past mistakes and have prepared the team to play at their best.”
He noted that Gabon’s forwards, faster than Morocco’s defenders, could make a crucial difference in the upcoming match.
Morocco, currently leading Group 2 with 12 points, will face Gabon in Franceville on 15 November.
Gabon sits second with seven points, followed by the Central African Republic with three points, while Lesotho, already eliminated, has one point.
Following the match in Franceville, Morocco will host Lesotho at the Stade Honoré d’Oujda on 18 November.
