Morocco head coach Tariq Sektioui is grappling with major setbacks as he prepares his squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to kick off early next month in Kenya.
According to sources, Sektioui’s preparations have been hampered by the absence of four key players — Amin Zahzouh, Akram Al-Naqqash, Hatem Al-Sawabi, and Adel Tahaif — who have all secured moves to foreign clubs and are therefore ineligible for the tournament.
Adding to his challenges, several top Moroccan clubs have reportedly refused to release their leading players for the national team, leaving Sektioui with no choice but to rely heavily on younger talents, particularly those born in 2000.
Sektioui’s preparation efforts have also been disrupted by difficulties in arranging high-profile friendly matches, which are crucial for fine-tuning the team ahead of the competition.
Morocco, who lifted the CHAN trophy in 2018 and 2020, are targeting a third title to surpass the Democratic Republic of Congo, who also boast two championships.
The Atlas Lions will face stiff competition in Group A alongside hosts Kenya, Zambia, and Angola, in what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.
