Morocco: have the Atlas Lions lost their spark?
After a friendly draw with Cape Verde, the Atlas Lions were beaten by South Africa on matchday 5 of the qualifiers
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They won over the whole world at the World Cup in Qatar. Morocco were dazzling and relentless, and their team spirit drew admiration. That "fighting spirit" complemented a side already talented in every department.
But after the euphoria of the World Cup, it was clear the Atlas Lions would now be a marked team across Africa and even worldwide. All the more so as their 2-1 win over Brazil in a friendly last March gave them the status of a top-level side.
A defeat and questions
But over the last two games, the Atlas Lions have struggled to recapture the form they were known for. A draw and a defeat: the Lions' return for this month of June is disappointing. Even though Morocco have qualified for the 2023 AFCON, Walid Regragui knows he must quickly put out the fire with reassuring words. "Call me crazy if you like, but sometimes you learn more from a defeat than from a victory," the coach said. That was after the defeat against South Africa (2-1), a match played in Johannesburg on Saturday 17 June, on matchday 5 of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
"My players were tired after a gruelling season," Regragui added. A defeat is never good for morale and confidence. Even so, Walid Regragui feels the setback has the merit of bringing his players back down to earth.
Before this setback, which should open the eyes of the Atlas Lions, Cape Verde had also managed to hold them to a draw (1-1). "The Moroccan players learned a lot during this match, which gives us the chance to assess our shortcomings and prepare properly for the continental competition. It's an opportunity to learn more… The South Africans played with intensity and confidence, especially in the first half," observed the coach of the Atlas Lions.
Jim CEESAY