Sektioui: Respect for Senegal, but Morocco won’t fear as CHAN semifinal looms
Morocco’s locally based squad is bracing for a high-stakes CHAN semifinal against Senegal, with coach Tarik Sektioui stressing that respect for their opponents does not equate to fear and that the team remains focused on its championship aspirations.
In an interview with Al Riyadiya channel, Sektioui said Morocco holds Senegal in high regard but does not fear them, urging that after the team’s hard work and travel, their ambitions must not be stopped now. He emphasized the long road the players have travelled and the need to stay focused on their goals.
From the outset, Sektioui insisted that lifting the trophy has been the objective all along. “From the start, our goal has been the trophy. We’re on the right track and aim to maintain the humility that marked our previous games,” he said.
Describing the semifinal as a classic showdown, the coach underscored the significance of the clash: “We hope to reach the final and replicate our past successes. Morocco has won this tournament twice, while Senegal are the defending champions, making this a major showdown.”
The Moroccan local team will face Senegal on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
What this means for Morocco and the tournament
– The CHAN tournament spotlights players who ply their trade in domestic leagues, giving them a chance to shine on a continental stage.
– Morocco’s local squad has a chance to add a third CHAN title to their history, while Senegal arrive as the defending champions seeking to extend their hold on the cup.
– The matchup in Kampala provides a testing ground for Morocco’s homegrown talent against one of Africa’s strongest teams, with both sides motivated by the prospect of a final berth.
Potential impact and outlook
– A win would reinforce Morocco’s standing in CHAN and demonstrate the depth of its domestic talent, while a Senegal victory would solidify their status as champions and set up a high-profile final.
– The semifinal is expected to feature tight defense, midfield battles, and moments of individual brilliance as players push to seize their country’s pride.
Summary
Morocco’s Tarik Sektioui says respect for Senegal is warranted, but fear is not. With the trophy as their stated aim and a semifinal date in Kampala, the Moroccan side looks to translate their humility and hard work into a run toward a third CHAN title, while Senegal seeks to defend their crown in what shapes up as a landmark clash.
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