In his initial reaction, Taoussi expressed his happiness and gratitude, stating, “I am happy, I thank the public and the players! We have proven that we have potential. I have a core, a team for the future. On the ground, we were well organized. Tactically, the midfielders did their job. The right and left flanks also contributed, as several goals came from the wings.”
Taoussi took over the coaching role from Eric Gerets just a few days prior, following Gerets’ dismissal due to mixed results with the Moroccan national team. Tasked with the mission of qualifying the team for the African Cup of Nations in South Africa 2013, Taoussi, despite being a first-time coach for a senior national team, showcased his capabilities. Previously, he achieved a historic hat-trick in 2011 as the head of Moghreb of Fez, winning the Coupe du Trône, the cup of the African Football Confederation, and the African Super Cup as a sports director. Notably, Taoussi had also secured the African Cup of Nations with the national junior team in 1997.
