Morocco U20 head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has declared his side’s intent to reach the final of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, insisting that his team fears no one ahead of a high-stakes semi-final clash against Egypt.
The Atlas Lion Cubs booked their place in the last four after edging Sierra Leone 1-0 in a tense quarter-final on Monday.
Reflecting on the match, Ouahbi acknowledged the tough nature of the contest but praised his side’s second-half response.
“All quarter-final matches are complicated. In the second half, we were able to block their attacks and recreate chances,” he said. “I found the team I knew before the AFCON. We were able to find the free man in midfield and make the gaps. We will have to continue like this in the semi-final.”
Despite the narrow victory, Ouahbi revealed his frustration with his players’ first-half performance, admitting that it took a stern message during the break to spur them into action.
“It’s the first time I’ve been this angry in two years,” he said. “I was convinced we could restart properly from the back, but we didn’t do it in the first half. In the second, things were better.”
Morocco’s progression to the semi-finals marks a significant step in their campaign, but the coach is now setting his sights firmly on reaching the final.
The upcoming tie against Egypt, a side with pedigree and form, presents a formidable challenge — yet Ouahbi remains undeterred.
“No matter what, we want this final, Morocco is not afraid of anyone,” he stated with conviction.
His comments underline the ambition and confidence surging through the Moroccan camp as they prepare for their crucial encounter.
The team has shown moments of quality throughout the tournament and will need to deliver another composed and commanding performance if they are to secure a place in the final.
With the pressure mounting and the margins narrowing, Morocco’s clash with Egypt is poised to be a defining moment.
For Ouahbi and his players, it is not just about competing — it is about conquering, and they are making no secret of their intentions.
