CHAN 2024: How Morocco are dealing with high altitudes in Kenya
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 09.08.25. | 12:28
Sektioui explained that arriving in Kenya early has helped his players acclimatise
Morocco’s men’s football team find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings ahead of their second match at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
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The Atlas Lions will face hosts Harambee Stars on Sunday, August 10, at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
While the North Africans are confident on the pitch, they face a different kind of challenge off it , the high-altitude conditions in Kenya.
Kenya, situated near the equator, enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, moderated by diverse topography that includes coastal areas, highlands, and the Great Rift Valley.
Morocco, on the other hand, has a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasons, hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, shaped by its proximity to both the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean.
Head coach Tarik Sektioui, however, is unfazed by the change in conditions.
“We prepared for this. We spoke to the players about the altitude and climate, and they showed strong personalities in adapting,” said the former Sporting CP midfielder, who once played alongside South African legend Benni McCarthy.
Sektioui explained that arriving in Kenya early has helped his players acclimatise.
“Players are aware and need to familiarise themselves by training more and having the will to adapt. From the first match, they looked ready, and coming here earlier helped with the adaptation,” he told Mozzart Sport.
The coach added that professional footballers must be prepared to perform under varying conditions.
“Every country presents different conditions, but with time, we adapt. That’s part of being an athlete,” he noted.
Looking ahead to the clash against Kenya, Sektioui expects a competitive contest.
“We will fight for another win. We’ve already played in a match with a large home crowd, so we know what to expect. Harambee Stars are a strong side, but we will stay concentrated and use the 90 minutes effectively,” he told reporters.
Morocco began their CHAN campaign with a 2-0 win over Angola on matchday one before sitting out the second round of fixtures.
Harambee Stars, meanwhile, opened with a victory over DR Congo before drawing 1-1 with Angola.
The two nations have met five times in the past, with Morocco winning three encounters, and the other two ending in draws.
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