Nairobi, Kenya – As the CHAN 2024 dey waka come, Morocco go kick off their quest for third title against Angola for Nyayo National Stadium this Sunday. These North African big boys don already lift the trophy for 2018 and 2020, and dem no wan slack this time around. Head coach Tarik Sektioui don talk say dem go need win for dis first match to ginger the players.
“Na very important make we start our campaign with win. E go give dem confidence wey dem need,” Sektioui yarn for media talk before the match. Captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat join mouth talk say dem understand say fans get high expectations for dem, and dem ready to deliver the goods.
“We don get enough experience for Africa competitions to make difference. Our main aim na to pass group stage and carry the title home,” Hrimat gista confidently. No be to scatter noise, Morocco don dey unbeaten for 13 matches at CHAN, with 11 wins and 2 draws. The last time dem collect defeat na 2014 from Côte d’Ivoire.
Angola, on the other hand, no dey come play small. Dem dey bold with their own experience too, as dis na their fifth time wey dem dey appear for CHAN. Coach Pedro Gonçalves don make e clear say dem go fight to match Morocco wit confidence. “We no dey think of anything more than Morocco match. They wan win — but so do we. I get belief say our hunger go strong pass dem,” Gonçalves talks.
Angola fit no dey shine bright like Morocco, but dem no get small record. Dem don dey improve steadily, especially after dem win COSAFA and achieve their best-ever AFCON campaign. Gonçalves dey happy say 2024 don bring plenty good vibes for the team. But the road no dey smooth, o! Dem lose five players wey bin move go overseas during training, as CHAN no dey allow players wey dey abroad.
Dis na the first time Morocco and Angola dey face each other for CHAN. But Morocco sure dey get edge, as dem don beat Southern African teams before, with past wins against Namibia and Zambia. Angola dey still want prove say dem no be pushovers with their history of draws for opening matches (four matches – no win yet!).
Both teams don qualify for CHAN 2024 dem with solid performances. Morocco carry their group with ease, while Angola manage to chop Lesotho. Sektioui dey proud of how e players don handle the pressure, even with injuries and transfers disrupting their initial plans. E dey commend the late joiners wey don add value to the squad.
CHAN 2024 dey run for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — first time for three countries to host. Morocco starting their games for Nairobi, wit dis match against Angola setting the tone. Gonçalves dey see dis match as correct test for im boys. “Dis na our chance to test ourselves against the best. We don work hard for am,” he say.
As dem dey prepare to step on the pitch, fans across Africa dey ginger to see how dis two seasoned teams go show their sheen. Will Morocco continue their reign or will Angola upturn the table? Na only time go tell which team go carry the sweet victory come home!
