In their inaugural match, the Mourabitounes held their ground against DR Congo but ultimately suffered a narrow defeat (0-1). Coach Patrice Neveu expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, praising their commitment to the jersey and flag. He acknowledged the initial challenges of facing the 2009 champions but emphasized that his players realized they were up against formidable opponents and not “extra-terrestrials.”
Looking ahead to their second match against Burundi, Neveu is optimistic about improving the team’s efficiency. He mentioned the departure of Ismael Diakité, a talented striker who joined Hammam-Lif in Tunisia, but noted the return of Mohamed Ba, a crucial component of their system who was suspended for the first match. Neveu also hinted at tactical adjustments based on the insights gained from their opening match and the playing style of their upcoming opponents, Burundi. The coach remains focused on refining the team’s performance for the challenges ahead in the tournament.