Rabat
The head coach of the Moroccan national football team confirmed that the “Atlas Lions” are entering the Africa Cup of Nations with a clear ambition: to win the continental title and achieve this goal in front of the Moroccan fans.
He explained during a press conference held today, Saturday, ahead of the opening match against Comoros tomorrow, that preparations for this stage began immediately after the conclusion of the previous edition of the Africa Cup in Côte d’Ivoire. He pointed out that the goal from the start was not merely participation, but serious competition for the title.
The Moroccan national team coach indicated that the players are in a state of complete readiness, both mentally and physically. He confirmed that all matches in the tournament hold equal importance, especially as the team represents their country, which requires maintaining calm, controlling emotions, working with a spirit of humility and patience, and adhering to the technical approach that has distinguished the team’s performance in recent years.
Regarding preparations, he acknowledged the short preparation period, which did not exceed one week. However, he stressed that this situation applies to all other participating teams, explaining that the players are fully aware of the magnitude of responsibility on their shoulders, and there is no room to justify any shortcoming, regardless of circumstances, including absences due to injury.
Commenting on the increasing pressure to win the title, he considered this pressure to be a positive factor, confirming that since taking charge of the national team, he has worked to establish a new mindset focused on competing for championships, rather than being content with mere presence and participation.
Rabat
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, founded in the 12th century by the Almohad Caliphate as a ribat (fortified monastery). It is now a modern political and administrative center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved historic quarters, including the Hassan Tower and the Chellah necropolis.
Moroccan national football team
The Moroccan national football team, known as the “Atlas Lions,” is the men’s senior team representing Morocco in international football. Historically significant as the first African team to win a group at the FIFA World Cup (in 1986), they achieved global prominence by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2022.
Atlas Lions
The Atlas Lions is the nickname for the Moroccan national football team, derived from the Barbary lion that historically inhabited the Atlas Mountains. The team has a significant history in African football, having won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976 and becoming the first African and Arab team to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in 2022.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded to unite African nations emerging from colonialism and is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Comoros
The Comoros is an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, with a history shaped by a blend of African, Arab, and French influences. It was a key hub in historic Indian Ocean trade routes and gained independence from France in 1975, though it has experienced significant political instability since. The islands are known for their volcanic landscapes, diverse culture, and being one of the world’s major producers of ylang-ylang essence.
Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is a West African nation with a rich history as a pre-colonial kingdom and a major hub in the French colonial empire. It is renowned for its cultural diversity, vibrant music like *coupé-décalé*, and as the world’s largest producer of cocoa. The country’s modern history includes significant economic growth following independence in 1960, though it has also experienced periods of political instability.
