Al-Salami: Morocco and Nigeria Show Readiness for AFCON Final
National coach Jamal Elalamy affirmed that the Moroccan national team has reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in its strongest form, having overcome several difficulties in previous rounds. He noted that the way the Atlas Lions' performance has evolved reflects the mentality of champion teams.
Speaking during the analytical studio coverage of the Morocco vs. Nigeria match (21:00 GMT+1) on Qatar's beIN Sports network, Elalamy explained that the Moroccan team has progressively improved with each successive game. This, he added, reinforces the belief that the team which ultimately lifts the trophy is one that knows how to confront and overcome challenges throughout the competition.
Elalamy further stated that several factors are working in the national team's favor, including the coach's tactical vision, player cohesion, and strong fan support. He considered these elements to make today's match a decisive encounter on the path to the final.
Analyzing the opposing side, Elalamy pointed out that the Nigerian national team has also displayed strong performances in recent rounds. He highlighted their showing against the Algerian national team, where they applied high pressure from the outset, controlled the flow of the game, and demonstrated a strong, proactive character that enabled them to neutralize Algeria's strengths and secure a victory.
Regarding the Moroccan team, Elalamy emphasized that their performance has seen a remarkable escalation, particularly in their last match against Cameroon. Previously, they had relied on increasing their tempo in the second half, but against Cameroon, they delivered a comprehensive performance, characterized by high pressing, diverse attacking solutions, and control over game details.
The national coach concluded by affirming that the clash between Morocco and Nigeria would be strong and evenly matched, given what both sides have demonstrated. He believes that small details could make the difference in a game where only victory will secure a place in the final.
