Morocco’s national football team, heralded as one of the favorites in the ongoing AFCON 2023, is meticulously gearing up for their tournament debut against Tanzania on Wednesday. Despite the buzz surrounding Morocco’s potential dominance, coach Walid Regragui has adopted a low-key approach, shielding the team from media and fan interactions to maintain focus on the paramount goal of bringing the coveted African Cup of Nations back to their homeland.
As the tournament commenced on January 13 in Abidjan, Morocco, like many other football powerhouses, has witnessed unexpected twists and turns.
Ivory Coast triumphed over Guinea-Bissau (2-0), Egypt secured a draw against Mozambique (2-2), Algeria faced a stumbling block against Angola (1-1), and other notable nations experienced challenges in their initial fixtures.
Against this backdrop, Morocco approaches their first encounter against Tanzania with heightened awareness of the expectations and the formidable status they hold in the competition.
Coach Walid Regragui, addressing the media on Tuesday, underscored the significance of not underestimating their opponent.
He acknowledged the absence of easy matches in the competition thus far and emphasized the need for his team to adapt to varying conditions.
Regragui cautioned against complacency, highlighting the unpredictability of the African Cup of Nations and the importance of factors such as desire, warmth, and attention to details in securing victory.
Morocco’s preparation for the tournament has been characterized by isolation and meticulous planning.
The team has undergone two weeks of controlled training at the Sofia hotel in San Pedro, maintaining a tight-knit focus on their objectives.
The decision to relocate to San Pedro earlier than initially planned was prompted by a canceled friendly match against The Gambia, affording Morocco the opportunity for a private preparation match against Sierra Leone.
The team’s training sessions and the players’ hotel have been subject to an extensive security system, ensuring a 100-meter buffer from media and fans.
Morocco, accustomed to heightened media activity, has enjoyed a relatively quiet preparation, with the Moroccan Football Federation managing the delegation of journalists.
Internally, Coach Regragui has used recent subpar performances, including a defeat against South Africa and a draw against Cape Verde, as a means to ground the team and foster humility.
He emphasized that Morocco must carry the weight of expectations and assume their status as one of the tournament favorites.
The isolation from external influences has provided an ideal environment for the team to hone their skills and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
Morocco’s campaign in the AFCON 2023 is fraught with immense expectations, and the team, eager to make an impact, begins its quest with a highly anticipated match against Tanzania on Wednesday.
The silent force is ready to unleash its potential, and fans eagerly await the first response in what promises to be a captivating tournament for the Atlas Lions.
