Morocco Secures Early Qualification for 2017 African Cup of Nations
Long absent from major continental tournaments, Morocco has finally returned to the spotlight. After missing the 2013 and 2015 African Cup of Nations, the Atlas Lions are now the first team to qualify for the 2017 edition, with two rounds of qualifiers still remaining.
Former Moroccan international Mustapha El Haddaoui praised the team’s achievement, describing the qualification as well-deserved. “Given the strength of our group, this qualification is deserved. It’s the first time in a long while that we’ve secured a spot before several other major African teams,” he told Mountakhab.
El Haddaoui emphasized that the focus should be on results rather than style of play. “Even though the team’s performance in the first half against Cape Verde was average, the second half was solid. The key was to regain confidence and secure the three points. What matters most is that the essential has been done—we are qualified.”
Highlighting Morocco’s resurgence on the continental stage, the former midfielder added, “We must not be overly critical; currently, we are not a top footballing nation. The goal is to establish our place among Africa’s elite and then at the world level. African football has progressed significantly while we were in a low phase, so it’s a positive step that we’ve won. We have players capable of making a difference in big matches, and this qualification shows we are on the right track.”
With Morocco’s early qualification, the Atlas Lions are set to participate in the 2017 African Cup of Nations with renewed confidence and growing expectations.
