AFCON 2023: War of words sets stage for Morocco vs South Africa clash
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 29.01.24. | 20:20
A pulsating clash awaits as Morocco and South Africa brace for a showdown on Tuesday evening
In the electrifying buildup to the Morocco vs South Africa encounter in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, coaches Walid Regragui and Hugo Broos set the stage on fire with their contrasting yet equally fervent perspectives.
Regarded as one of the giants of African football, Morocco's head coach, Walid Regragui, exuded confidence tempered with humility as he addressed the press on Monday. Morocco who have done well in the recent past, appeared a pale shadow of themselves in the group stage, easing past Tanzania in the first game, fought for a win against Zambia then drew 1-1 with DR Congo in an ill-tempered match.
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"I don't want to talk about the past," he asserted. "We have a new team, a new mentality. We will do our best. I don't care about the past."
Regragui's acknowledgment of South Africa's prowess adds weight to the impending clash. Reflecting on their defeat to South Africa in the AFCON qualifiers, he admits to the challenges they pose. "We have respect for South Africa... They're going to cause us problems. But we have confidence."
On the other side of the spectrum, Hugo Broos, the mastermind behind South Africa's resurgence, exuded a mix of determination and pragmatism. With a victory against Morocco in June under their belt, Broos believes in his team's ability to upset the odds once again. "Either you win, or you are eliminated," he stated bluntly. "But we beat them in June so we can do it."
Broos's pragmatic approach is evident as he acknowledges Morocco's stature while emphasizing South Africa's potential to create an upset. "Morocco is the number one team in Africa... but this AFCON is full of surprises, everything is possible in football."
For South Africa, it's an opportunity to script a new chapter in their footballing history, while for Morocco, it's a chance to reaffirm their status as a continental powerhouse.
Monday
23:00: (2.35) Senegal (3.10) Ivory Coast (3.30)
Tuesday
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