Ounahi: 'We Didn't Play in the Second Half, Mali Got Chances Because We Dropped Back'

Morocco national team player Azzedine Ounahi emphasized that every point in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage is crucial. He stressed that the 1-1 draw against Mali in the second round is not a loss, but rather a step that will benefit the team in upcoming matches.

Speaking in televised remarks after the match, Ounahi said: "Every point in the group stage is important for everyone. We had a good first half, there was intensity and we created scoring opportunities. In the second half, we came out and didn't play as we should have, and when you drop back, it's inevitable that they will get chances. This match will benefit us for the rest of the competition."

The player added: "We will recover and analyze the reasons that made us enter the second half in that manner. This is not a draw that feels like a defeat; rather, we enter every match aiming to win."

Ounahi also highlighted Morocco's ambition to win the tournament: "We are playing this competition in Morocco and we want to win it. Therefore, we must approach the next match with the goal of scoring from every opportunity we get, and we will prepare for the next match (against Zambia) to win and secure the top spot."