Morocco braced for epic Algeria ‘Classico’

Moroccan coach Said Chiba says the team is not thinking of any kind of revenge against Algeria, when the two sides clash in the quarterfinal of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Constantine on Wednesday evening in what will be a hotly contested North African 'Classico'.

Algeria beat Morocco on penalties when the two sides last met during the final of the U17 Arab Cup last year, but Chiba says they are only thinking of putting up a good performance and battling for a ticket to the World Cup.

“There is no revenge on our minds. We are just going into the match prepared to play and try to get a place in the World Cup. The previous loss has no effect whatsoever,” said Chiba.

He added; “This time it is going to be different for both sides with new players, new plans and new ideas. We will definitely have a different approach to the game.”

Morocco finished top of Group B with two wins against Nigeria and South Africa and despite losing their last match to Zambia, Chiba says that does not have an effect on their mentality and preparation for the Algeria match.

“It absolutely does not have an effect because we changed many players and we needed to give everyone a chance. We have worked on the psychological aspect of the players because at this age, this is very important for them,” Chiba says.

We have looked at their matches and we have seen some weaknesses that we could exploit. As a team we are ready for the game. We will try to play to our strength and game plan and we hope to clinch the ticket to the World Cup."

“We are not preparing for this game in a special way. We will prepare just how we have prepared for the others and we will play at the same high level. We expect to have a fresher team with good rest and since we had one extra day, it might give us a small advantage but it is not a determining factor.”

Striker Adam Hanin knows as well that it will be a tough match with a lot of pressure, but he says the players are not worried and will just step on the pitch to play their own game.

“We have looked at their matches and we have seen some weaknesses that we could exploit. As a team we are ready for the game. We will try to play to our strength and game plan and we hope to clinch the ticket to the World Cup,” stated the FUS Rabat player.

Meanwhile, Chiba says the expected full attendance at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine does not worry them and instead says it might work in their favour, as it will place the pressure of expectation on the Algerian team.