Tactical Analysis: Breaking down Harambee Stars' CHAN opponents Morocco

Morocco will compete in the eighth edition of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, aiming to secure their third title after previous triumphs in 2018 and 2020.

Having made their tournament debut in 2014 which was held in South Africa, the Atlas Lions featured in three consecutive editions (2016, 2018, and 2020), winning the last two.

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However, they withdrew from the 2022 tournament in Algeria due to a diplomatic dispute between the two nations. The Moroccan delegation was denied direct flights to Algeria, stemming from a longstanding political conflict over Western Sahara.

Leading the team is Tarik Sektioui, a former Moroccan international and seasoned coach.

Equipe du Maroc/X

Sektioui enjoyed a playing career in Europe with clubs such as FC Porto and AJ Auxerre before transitioning into management, where he found success with several top Moroccan sides, including FUS Rabat, RS Berkane, and AS FAR.

His appointment marked a new chapter for the Atlas Lions, with them aiming to become the first nation to win three CHAN titles.

It being their fifth CHAN appearance, they enter this year’s tournament tied with DR Congo for the most titles (2). They were also the only North African side to qualify automatically for CHAN 2024. The Atlas Lions currently hold a FIFA ranking of 14.

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Tactical Identity & Preparation Strategy

Coach Sektioui is known for a bold, high-energy style that aims to unsettle opponents from kickoff.

Placing great emphasis on unity, collective discipline, and mental strength which are key traits for success in demanding environments. They have a youth-focused development which grooms players for senior levels.

Morocco’s tactical structure under his tutelage is defined by a compact 4-2-3-1 (or occasionally 4‑4‑1‑1) structure base shape that shifts into a deep 4-5-1/ 4-4-2 block under pressure, with wide midfielders dropping back to reinforce the defense and block central channels.

In midfield, two pivots anchor transitions and maintain balance, while the attacking trio supports fluid link-up play and movement. Up front, wide attackers and the lone striker rotate dynamically, creating overloads and exploiting spaces between the lines to stretch defenses and generate chances.

The structure balances solid defensive coverage with a clear attacking intent. He emphasizes wing attacks, direct transitions, and quick vertical passes, which allows his team to reach the opponent’s final third with fewer passes.

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Focusing on rapid pressing, immediate ball recovery, and arriving forward at pace as soon as possession is won. His teams, in some instances, may have less possession overall, but often generate more shots and goals per chance.

Morocco’s CHAN 2025 squad began to take shape as early, using an extended preparation window that included FIFA breaks and key friendlies (vs Burkina Faso recently) to instill his tactical identity.

As CHAN 2025 approaches, Sektioui’s Morocco is shaped by youthful intensity, structured directness, and tactical discipline. With seasoned cohesion and a clear philosophy, Morocco enters the tournament as a formidable contender.

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Standout Players Who Could Be The X Factor

Mohamed Moufid (RB)- his blend of tactical intelligence, energy, and versatility on the flank can influence and make him contribute both offensively,supporting wing play and overlapping runs, and defensively, where his positional awareness could help reinforce Sektioui’s compact structure.

Bouchaib Arrassi (CB)- from Raja Club Athletic, he’s known for his excellent tackling, anticipation, and positioning, Arrassi brings calm and structure to the back line. His dominance in aerial duels makes him a major asset both in open play and during set-piece situations, where his heading ability adds a constant threat in the opposition box.

Youssef Belammari (LB)- naturally gifted left-footer, combines superior technique, spatial awareness, and vision, allowing him to manipulate the ball with precision and consistently exploit open spaces. His ability to stretch play or deliver pinpoint crosses makes him a reliable and dynamic outlet.

Anas Bach (RB/DM)- combines composure, vision, and tactical intelligence to control the tempo of the game. His press resistance and excellent passing range allow him to evade pressure and initiate progressive attacks from deep positions.

Khalid Ait (Winger/AM)- creative and technically gifted player, offering versatility in the final third. He excels at evading pressure in tight spaces, using his vision and ball control to create chances and unlock defenses.

Redda Haji (AM)- excels at finding space between the lines, making him a constant offensive threat. His ability to combine fluidly with wingers and strikers adds creativity and dynamism to Morocco’s attacking play.

Ayoub Mouloua (ST)- clinical striker known for his lethal finishing and instinctive goal-scoring ability. With a sharp eye for goal and composed execution, he consistently delivers killer finishes in and around the box.

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Anass El Mahraoui (Winger/ST)- a quality finisher/goalscorer in front of goal with well-timed long range powerful shots, combines well in attack with wingers and midfielders dropping deep to link up play. Makes critical runs in behind defenses which trouble defenders.

Lamlioui Oussama (ST)- experienced RS Berkane striker who combines physical presence with intelligent movement in the final third. He offers strong hold-up play, can link well with attacking midfielders, and poses a consistent goal threat inside the box. Aggressive off the ball with good pressing qualities to regain possession.

Apart from the few standout players mentioned above, the squad features a strong core of experienced youth players, many of whom are/were part of Morocco’s U23 team and those who were at the recent AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt.

Their inclusion adds depth, energy, and tournament experience, with final selections likely to depend on Sektioui’s tactical preferences and squad balance.

Conclusion

Morocco's presence in CHAN is a game-changer.

With a history of dominance, technical superiority, and a rich domestic talent pool, they remain arguably the biggest threat to Kenya, Angola, DR Congo, Chipolopolo(Group A) and the tournament at large.