CHAN 2024: How Morocco recovered from Harambee Stars defeat to stay on course for third title

Morocco head coach Tarik Sektioui could finally smile after looking to have undergone all manner of agony in a tense and narrow shootout semifinal victory over Senegal at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

All through the highly enthralling matchup that brought together the last three winners of the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN), Sektioui wore a face of a man in deep suffering, barely able to contain himself on the touchline, less said about his then nicely tucked shirt, that was now dangling over his waist.

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But in the aftermath of his team edging out the defending champions 5-3 after a 1-1 draw in regular time, he nodded and grinned, when a question that touched his soul was asked.

"Coach, you always tell us working with honesty is the key," one journalist began his question, wanting to know the mindset of the coach and his side when they went hard in extra-time, but to no avail.

"Thank you for that reminder," Sektioui, face beaming, said. "As a unit we have all worked in modesty, and I think it is what makes individuals thrive, and know what they want in life."

"This team has all these features, and has very high values that enable us to remain together and fight. I absolutely love my job and coaching this side," the former Porto man said.

Asked how the Atlas Lions were able to come out victors in a game they trailed early, he added: "Heart and desire. We cannot be more proud of this performance, which was not very easy. The players were tired, but they gave it their all against a tough and disciplined team."

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Sektioui, who seemingly questioned his team’s professionalism in their group stage defeat to tournament co-hosts Kenya, felt booking a ticket to Saturday's final was more of a revenge.

"I am happy and proud of the men because we know the problems we went through in the tournament, and getting to the final is one way of paying back," the 48-year-old said.

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Up next for him, is the hard task of getting past the tournament surprise-package Madagascar, who edged out Sudan even after going down to 10 men.

"We are more than motivated to be the champions," Sektioui said.

Do that, and become the first nation to win three CHAN titles.