After a hard-fought semifinal victory, national coach Tarik Sektioui appeared at the press conference with a mix of satisfaction and clear-headed analysis.
Aware of his players’ performance, who had to dig deep into their reserves, he first acknowledged the strength of the opponent, describing them as a “very, very strong and disciplined” team, while emphasizing that his men had managed to overcome fatigue with “heart” and an impeccable mindset to secure their place in the final.
Reflecting on the flow of the match, the coach did not hide the difficulties his team faced, particularly at the start. He mentioned a defensive block positioned too deep and ball circulation that was too slow, which allowed the opponent to apply pressure easily. However, Sektioui praised his squad’s ability to gradually regain control of the game, noting that tactical adjustments and substitutions, notably the introduction of Khairi, brought greater stability and fluidity, ultimately tipping the balance in their favor.
Now focused on the final, Tarik Sektioui views his team’s journey as a victory in itself, given the challenges at the start of their preparation. However, appetite comes with eating, and the Moroccan coach has clearly expressed his ambitions for the tournament’s final match.
“Reaching the final is already a reward and a title, considering how we started, but I can assure you that we are motivated to win the final, God willing.”
Furthermore, the coach paid special tribute to his goalkeeper, El Mehdi Harrar, describing him as having delivered an “exceptional tournament.” Attributing this success to remarkable mental strength and humility, Sektioui highlighted the constant progress of his keeper: “With every match, we noticed him improving. And that is primarily due to his mentality and mindset.” He also credited this achievement to the work of the goalkeeping coach, Saïd Badou, as well as the excellent cohesion and mutual support among Morocco’s three goalkeepers: Al Harrar, Rachid Ghanimi, and Omar Aqzdaou.
