Present at a press conference on Tuesday in Atlanta, Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi displayed a clear ambition: to finish at the top of Group C while making official qualification for the second round of the competition.
“We are practically qualified, but not yet officially,” reminded Ouahbi, who has not yet decided on his starting eleven. “It is possible that we will use the same team as in the first two matches, but it is also possible that we will make some changes.”
The Moroccan coach refuses any let-up against a Haitian team that has already been eliminated. “Haiti will play a good game even though their elimination is already confirmed. For us, our priority is to win this match. Afterwards, we will think about the number of goals we can score. We must field the best possible team, respect our opponent, and give our all, just as we did in the first two games,” he stressed.
On the offensive side, Ouahbi expressed satisfaction with his group’s progress. “Offensively, we are on the right track. We are going to keep improving and score more goals. We have other strikers with different profiles who are able to bring additional solutions to the team,” he said.
The coach of the Atlas Lions also praised the team spirit within his squad: “All the players want to give their best and go as far as possible in this competition. I always prefer to look on the bright side of things, and today, the positive aspect is that we are continuing to progress.”
First place objective
The top spot in Group C holds strategic importance for Morocco. It would allow them to face the runner-up of Group F in the round of 16 on June 29 in Houston, rather than the winner of that group on June 30 in Monterrey. “Our objective is to beat Haiti and finish this first round in first place. That would allow us to avoid certain trips. But if we have to go to Monterrey, we will go and take on that responsibility,” concluded Mohamed Ouahbi.
Current situation of Group C
With four points, Morocco shares the lead in Group C with Brazil. Scotland follows with three points, while Haiti is in last place with zero points.
The atmosphere remains particularly positive within the Moroccan delegation, buoyed by an excellent start to the tournament. After spending several days in New Jersey, the Atlas Lions arrived in Atlanta on Monday at midday. A closed training session was held that evening to fine-tune the final details ahead of this last match of the group stage.
Morocco will approach this match with the firm intention of confirming their rise to power and continuing their journey as leaders of Group C.
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À propos de l'auteur
Ablam GNAMESSO
Rédacteur sportif
Reporter sportif et journaliste tout terrain. Membre AIPS et jury des IFFHS Awards.