In the first round of the group stage of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), currently being held in Côte d’Ivoire, defender Nassir Mazraoui will not be able to play against Tanzania, as confirmed by Atlas Lions coach Walid Regragui.
This falls in line with reports from the Moroccan national team’s medical staff, which was anticipated given the injury that the player in question sustained while playing for Bayern Munich.
In a press conference preceding the game, Regragui said that he has yet to hear on whether the team can rely on Mazraoui in upcoming games.
Regragui stressed that the Moroccan national team aspires to go far in the continental competition, adding, “We believe in our ability to qualify without a supporter in the first matches. This is my strategy and I bear responsibility for that.”
The coach stated that there are uncertainties about two or three players, adding that absences would be settled this evening at training to ascertain the final roster that will be involved in tomorrow’s game.
He spoke with gratitude about the player Amin Adli, who lost his mother while he was in training camp in Maamoura, saying, “Adli is a strong boy, and he returned to us with enthusiasm, and I want to thank him because he preferred to defend his country’s shirt instead of staying with his family in these circumstances, and this indicates his overwhelming desire to be with us.”
The Moroccan national team will open the 2023 African Cup of Nations tournament against the Tanzanian national team in the first round of Group Six tomorrow, Wednesday, at six p.m.
In view of the approaching tournament, Regragui emphasized the importance of this African Cup of Nations match, stating that the Moroccan team would play tomorrow to get off to a good start in the competition and boost confidence within the group.
Regragui that “tomorrow’s match will be different from the World Cup qualifiers match. It is a different competition and includes other motivations for the opponent. We have worked well over the past two weeks, and the group is eagerly awaiting the first match.”
He confirmed that the national team had sufficient time to practice, adding “The truth exists on the field, to determine whether its application fits the given scenarios.”
Regragui stated that the heat factor will be crucial since the players will exert more energy and that the group must be strategic in controlling the effort based on moments of strength and weakness in the match while managing substitutes effectively.
In response to a question about the statements of the Tanzanian national team coach, the Algerian Adel Amrouche, in which he accused the Royal Moroccan Football Federation of several things, Regragui said: “Frankly, this matter does not concern me, and we do not want to waste time on such things. I discuss what is related to football, otherwise, there are the university and officials to do what is necessary.”
Regragui emphasized that the goal of tomorrow’s encounter is to win, and that he believes the players are motivated. “Today represents a new challenge, and we must rise to the occasion. We have the experience, whether on the technical staff or as a group, to make fans happy,” remarked the coach.
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