This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat
Captain of the Moroccan team in the final lost against Tunisia in 2004, Abdeslam Ouaddou is an emblematic figure of Moroccan and African football.
Having become coach today, he has an attentive look at the practice of round leather on the continent. In the aftermath of the draw, he gave himself exclusively to Africa Foot United. He did a sharp analysis of the draw. He does not see Côte d’Ivoire doing the double.
From December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, Africa will vibrate under the rhythm of king sport. For a month, 24 nations will compete for the trophy brought into play by Côte d’Ivoire. As a prelude to this deadline which promises to be exciting, the fate of each team was decided. Last Monday, each team is fixed and knows what to expect now. After this ceremony which saw homogeneous or unbalanced groups given the strength of each, Abdeslam Ouaddou spoke to our microphone. I don’t see a group of death
For the former Atlas lion, there is no death group. All teams are equipped in the different groups. “I do not see a group of death or easy groups. I find that these are very homogeneous groups in which we will have well -prepared and well -organized teams, determined to get out of the group phases. “, He hammered from the start, while congratulating Morocco for the organization. “I want to congratulate Morocco for the right organization, it is this kind of standing that we must tackle to offer on each edition for the prestige of this competition and our continent. I would also like to salute the vision of the development of the sports ecosystem of our sovereign King Mohammed 6 on national territory. »»
However, he thinks that the groups of Morocco and Algeria will be fiercely disputed. For him, these two teams will be able to qualify, but not without difficulties. “The groups of Morocco and that of Algeria seem to me really disputed even if I see the 2 North African tenors coming out of the chickens not without difficulty because there are sacred customers who have practically all finished first of the playoffs. The Atlas Lions will already have a final before the hour with Mali which will want to take revenge on the correction of 4 – 0 inflicted during the CAN 2004 in Tunisia. I know that Mali has not forgotten and it is a revengeful people. Also pay attention to Zambia and the Comoros not to neglect and take with a very seriousness. He explains.
Morocco must fight for its second coronation
Titled since 1976, Morocco runs behind its second coronation on the continent. This organization is a golden opportunity for him to confirm his achievements of his last years. But with the Atlas Lions, you have to expect everything. It is a team capable of eliminating Portugal in the World Cup, but which is not able to tame its prey in Africa. The illustration of his elimination in the round of 16 of the last CAN said in length. And for Ouaddou, even if it is everyone’s wish, he knows that the task will not be easy in the face of other predators.
“This is our wish to everyone. But I believe that to win this African Cup which will certainly not be simple in view of the technical tactical evolution, organization and intelligence of African teams, it will be necessary to stop this sacrosanct nostalgia of the World Cup in which Morocco has Bright transported by his audience and leave with new objectives and motivations, resilience in the face of pressure to overcome the contenders. For this a sacred union will have to be done behind the Atlas lions, the coach and his staff. The players will quickly feel the unwavering support of the public who must play his role. Otherwise I can already tell you that some players will not be able to bear such pressure if the Moroccan public is the antipodes of their motivational expectations. “Indicates the one who barely missed the title in 2004.
Côte d’Ivoire will find it difficult
Holding the title, Côte d’Ivoire will find it difficult to keep its title let us know the former of AS Nancy Lorraine. Called to decide on the favorites, he does not really see Côte d’Ivoire. “Morocco. Egypt, Algeria, Senegal and Nigeria. ”, He says. “I don’t see Côte d’Ivoire doing the double. And I would also have liked to put Cameroon very strong but unfortunately, there is a coach that I find interesting with a very beautiful team but I fear that the harmful climate between governance and the technique detecting on the sportsman. . Beware of the DRC of Desabre which does an excellent job that can be outsiders. »Has the former Loto Popo sports director heard.
