Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui calls for focus and humility ahead of CHAN final

Morocco head coach Tarik Sektioui during a pre-match presser ahead of the 2024 CHAN final. (Photo: Erick Kariuki)

By Erick Kariuki
Friday, August 29, 2025

The Atlas Lions are chasing a record third CHAN crown, but Sektioui insists his team will not underestimate their opponents despite Morocco’s pedigree and experience.

Morocco head coach Tarik Sektioui has urged his players to remain humble and focused as they prepare to face Madagascar in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday, August 30.

The Atlas Lions are chasing a record third CHAN crown, but Sektioui insists his team will not underestimate their opponents despite Morocco’s pedigree and experience.

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“We may indeed have an advantage because our competition is stronger, that’s for sure,” Sektioui told reporters. “But that doesn’t mean anything. Tomorrow, the 90 minutes will be completely different. We know that motivation plays its role, the support on the day plays its role, and the technical, tactical, and physical sides all play their roles.”

He added that Morocco’s greatest strength lies in their humility: “We will approach the match with no arrogance. We are very modest, and that is actually our greatest strength. We respect, I repeat, our team, and we respect every opponent. We know it’s going to be a battle and in football, victory is fought for, not given.”

Morocco head coach Tarik Sektioui (left) and captain Ayoub Hrimat. (Photo: Erick Kariuki)

Morocco’s path to the final has been marked by resilience. After finishing second in Group A behind hosts Kenya, the Atlas Lions edged Tanzania 1-0 in the quarterfinals before overcoming defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties in the semifinals.

Sektioui praised his players for embracing responsibility after their group stage setback, saying the journey had strengthened their determination. “It’s a final, and it says it all. Mentally, everybody is aware because it remains memorable to the coach and the players. After the semis, we took on the responsibility, and we shall try to be determined and respect our opponents as we have done with the others.”

Looking ahead to the final, the Moroccan coach emphasised that attitude would make the difference on the day. “I believe the attitude of the players will make the difference. In football, victory is never handed out - it is earned.”

For Morocco, victory would mark their third CHAN title after triumphs in 2018 and 2020, cementing their dominance in the competition. For Sektioui, however, the message remains clear: respect every opponent and fight for every win.