A Moroccan coach believes revenge against South Africa will be a big motivation for the Atlas Lions after the previous encounter between the two nations.
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"I think that the Moroccan team has the advantage, given the differences and history of each team, and the talent that the Lions currently include," Talib told Kooora.
"I am not exaggerating in this proposition, but I see that Morocco is capable of deciding qualification, in performance and result, based on much data."
Explaining where such strong confidence in the Atlas Lions comes from, the coach said the side will be fuelled by what transpired when the teams last met, and seemingly aimed a dig at Mamelodi Sundowns in the process.
"From following the Moroccan national team, and the way it managed the group stage with great competence, and also considering the stars it includes, who are active in the largest European clubs, against a team that includes [Mamelodi] Sundowns players, and also due to the desire to take revenge on this team. I believe that the opportunity is ripe," he explained.
When asked if he was afraid the high humidity in San-Pedro, where the crunch tie will be played, could have a role to play in the match, Talib said that the weather should not be as big a factor as it was during the early stages of the tournament as the players have spent enough time in the country to now be well adapted to the conditions.
"Not at all, because this given is no longer present at all, after all this time that the players spent in San-Pedro," Talib added.
"Playing in the evening is ideal, as we noticed against Zambia, and personally, due to the specialisation and training [they] received, I felt that the players entered the atmosphere as they should."
A considerable number of upsets and surprise results have already been recorded at AFCON 2023. The Moroccan coach, however, insisted he is not fazed by the possibility of the Atlas Lions suffering a defeat at the hands of opposition he considers to be underdogs.
"The positive thing about the presence of the Moroccan national team in Group Six is that it was able to follow the matches of the other groups before playing its matches, and thus benefited from the lessons of the north African teams, and also from the unprecedented revolution that occurred in the football pyramid on the continent," Talib continued.
"It is no longer appropriate to talk now about the nominated teams on paper.
"I hope that the Moroccan team will be crowned [as champions].
"I admire the development of the Nigerian team, with the possibility of a strong comeback for Cote d'Ivoire against Senegal.
"We have great confidence in the ability of this generation of Atlas Lions to win the tournament."
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