Morocco coach Tariq Sektioui has set his sights on lifting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) trophy after guiding the Atlas Lions to a dramatic final berth.
The North African side overcame Senegal in a tense penalty shootout, winning 5-3 after the match ended 1-1 in regular and extra time on Tuesday evening.
Morocco will now face Madagascar in the final on Saturday in Nairobi.
Speaking after the game, Sektioui praised his players’ resilience and dedication throughout the tournament, highlighting the challenges they faced on their journey.
“I thank my men who accompanied me in this competition,” Sektioui told Al-Riyadhiya TV.
“I call them men because they deserve that description. We endured the hardships of traveling between three countries. We started in Kenya, then moved on to Tanzania and Uganda. God willing, we will return to Kenya to compete in the final.”
Sektioui also acknowledged the physical toll of facing a formidable Senegalese side that had conceded only one goal in the tournament prior to their encounter.
“We suffered from fatigue against a strong Senegalese team, and it was natural that we would face difficulties. But the most important thing was to qualify, and that’s what distinguishes such matches,” he said.
The Moroccan coach concluded by emphasizing the team’s ultimate goal.
“Humility before God is the secret to success. Whoever humbles himself before God, God will elevate him. Our promise remains unchanged: we will fight, God willing, to win the CHAN title and bring it back to Morocco.”
