Baha on Not Substituting Belaarouch Against Portugal (6-0): 'Did You Want Me to Destroy the Boy? Let's Not Forget He Won Us the Africa Cup!'

Nabil Baha, coach of the Moroccan U17 national team, addressed his decision not to substitute goalkeeper Chouaib Belaarouch, despite the team conceding six goals against Portugal. The match was part of the second group stage round of the FIFA U17 World Cup.

In press statements concerning the decision to keep Belaarouch in the game, Baha explained: "Did you want me to destroy the boy? My job is not to destroy players; my mission is to prepare them."

He further elaborated: "Despite the players making mistakes, I will work to ensure they are not repeated. It's not about destroying the boy and taking him out. Let's not forget that this boy is the one who won us the Africa Cup."

Baha concluded by emphasizing collective responsibility: "Mistakes happen, but not solely because of the goalkeeper. It extends to the striker, who must defend all the way back to the goalkeeper. We win as a team and we lose as a team, and ultimately, I am responsible for this defeat."