The Morocco U17 head coach has made a bold declaration ahead of their highly anticipated quarter-final clash against South Africa in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday night.
The knockout stages of the U17 AFCON kick off on Thursday, with South Africa set to face host nation Morocco.
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Amajimbos finished as runners-up in their group behind Burkina Faso, having recorded one win, one draw, and one defeat.
Morocco, on the other hand, topped their group after securing two wins and a draw, heading into the quarter-finals unbeaten.
Looking ahead to the clash, Morocco coach Nabil Baha insisted his team would not tailor their approach to suit their opponents.
“We had a successful first round. Now we want to go all the way and keep the trophy at home,” Baha said ahead of the match, according to Africa Top Sports.
“We’re entering a different phase of the competition, knockout football. We have to stay focused and play with intensity.
“We respect South Africa, but we don’t adapt to anyone. It’s up to them to find the solutions,” he added, encouraging his players to “enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure. You don’t play an AFCON quarter-final every day.”
Morocco head into the match as favourites, holding a superior head-to-head record over South Africa. The two sides met twice previously, in 2023 and 2024, with the young Atlas Lions winning on both occasions.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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