The Moroccan national football team commenced its first training session at the Mohammed VI Complex in Salé in preparation for a friendly match against Gambia and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
As the majority of players joined the “Atlas Lions” camp today, the national team conducted its inaugural training session, gearing up for the forthcoming phase.
In this stage, the team is set to face Gambia in a friendly match on January 7th at the Mohammed VI Complex, with the event closed to the media and spectators.
Mohamed El Shibi, in statements to the official channel of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation on YouTube, expressed his delight at the invitation from the national coach Walid Regragui to participate in the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
El Shibi aspires to contribute significantly to the national team’s journey in the tournament.
El Shibi emphasized that all players are keenly aware of the significant responsibility entrusted to them, aiming to clinch the title and bring joy to the Moroccan fans.
The players, he stated, are fully conscious of the magnitude of the upcoming challenge.
Shady Riad also conveyed his happiness about being part of the national team and included in the final list for AFCON, affirming that his ambition has been present since his participation in the youth categories, culminating in wearing the senior national team jersey.
He remarked, “Our ambitions are high for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, and we are well aware of what is expected of us in this tournament.”
The AFCON 2024 is scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
It is noteworthy that the Moroccan national team has been placed in Group F for the upcoming AFCON, alongside Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as per the draw results.