Waleed Al-Rakraki, the head coach of the Moroccan national football team, emphasized the inherent difficulty of group-stage matches in African competitions, stating, “In Africa, determination is as crucial as intent.”
Speaking during the press conference following the match between Morocco and Tanzania, Al-Rakraki humorously noted the significance of resilience in African football, underscoring the importance of mental fortitude alongside strategic planning.
Reflecting on the positive aspects of the Tanzania match, Al-Rakraki expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly highlighting the inclusion of Shibbi in place of Attia Allah, stating, “I was right in calling up Shibbi; he delivered an excellent performance, and all the players deserve recognition.”
From the outset, Al-Rakraki emphasized the team’s eagerness to score early, attributing the success to their strong winning mentality.
The first goal, he mentioned, instilled confidence and allowed them to maintain their intended style of play.
Looking ahead, the coach acknowledged the challenges of the upcoming match against Congo, considering factors such as temperature and humidity in the Ivory Coast’s playing conditions.
He stressed the need for meticulous planning, especially given the tight schedule.
Al-Rakraki reiterated that advancing in the Africa Cup of Nations requires effective match management, wise handling of positive and negative moments, and, most importantly, maintaining unwavering focus.
He emphasized the responsibility of the players to bring joy to the Moroccan people and acknowledged the high expectations placed on the national team.
Closing his remarks, Al-Rakraki praised the excellent atmosphere within the team, attributing it to an outstanding coaching staff and a familial environment.
He emphasized the need for groundedness and continued hard work to navigate the challenges that lie ahead in the competition.
