Zambia and Morocco both find themselves in a must-win situation, coming off defeats — 2-1 against Angola for Zambia and 1-0 to Kenya for Morocco. With Morocco needing a win to keep hopes of topping Group A alive, head coach Tarik Sektioui made it clear during a press conference that their focus is on collecting maximum points.
Sektioui admitted his side underperformed against Kenya and are now seeking redemption in their upcoming clash against the Chipolopolo Boys.
“We are disappointed with the result, but that is part of football,” he said. “We learned from it and, from the next day, we projected ourselves with a positive state of mind, determined to obtain a good result against Zambia.”
Sektioui emphasized that he is not underestimating Zambia, noting that any team is capable of causing an upset — which is why his side is taking the match seriously.
“The gaps have narrowed. Mentally, technically, tactically, physically… everyone is working hard. You saw how Kenya was carried by their fans or how Angola beat Zambia by the skin of their teeth. We take every match seriously; the players are committed, and I hope we’ve improved offensively. Our ambition is clear: to take the three points.”
Zambia aiming to avoid worst CHAN exit
In the five-team Group A, back-to-back defeats have left Zambia at the bottom with zero points. They must now beat both Morocco and Kenya while hoping for a draw between Angola and DR Congo in order to reach the knockout stages.
Angola currently sit second with four points, behind leaders Kenya on seven, while DR Congo and Morocco have three each.
The Chipolopolo Boys have never failed to progress past the group stage at CHAN, with their best finish being third place in the inaugural 2009 edition. Meanwhile, Morocco are two-time winners of the tournament.
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