In an exclusive interview with RMC Sport, Moroccan international Aziz Onnahi asserted that the Atlas Lions are poised to enter the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with unwavering readiness.
The tournament, scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Ivory Coast, will witness the Moroccan squad’s full commitment.
Onnahi, a pivotal player who guided the national team to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, expressed the team’s aspirations for AFCON, stating, “We won’t claim that we will go and win the Africa Cup of Nations, but being 100% ready is the most crucial aspect.”
The midfielder from Olympique Marseille, aiming to sustain the momentum gained in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, deemed the Moroccan team as the “opponent everyone seeks to defeat” currently.
“We have observed that perceptions have shifted after the World Cup.
We are now the team everyone aims to beat, be it in a friendly match or an official competition.
This will drive us to be fully prepared, with a high level of focus in every game,” added Onnahi.
The Moroccan star highlighted the eagerness of the entire Moroccan populace for the AFCON, emphasizing its significance as the 2025 edition is set to take place in Morocco.
He stated, “The entire Moroccan nation is eagerly awaiting the Africa Cup.
It is somewhat special because the 2025 edition will be held in Morocco.
Therefore, if we manage to achieve something significant in Ivory Coast, it will be an advantage for us in 2025.”
As Morocco’s national team gears up for the prestigious tournament, the players, under the leadership of Onnahi, are focused on maintaining their status as a formidable force on the African football stage, with an eye on future successes.
