Morocco's coach Racid Taoussi (Photo: Reuters)
Coach Rachid Taoussi said he is confident Morocco will perform well at the Africa Cup of Nations, adding that he is “building a team for the present and the future”.
“I am optimistic regarding our mission in the Nations Cup,” Taoussi told France Football on Sunday.
The 57-year-old coach highlighted the importance of beating Angola in Morocco’s opening game of Group A, which also includes South Africa and Cape Verde.
“We have to concentrate in our first game against Angola. Wining the opener is very important for us to gain more confidence. I think it will be not easy, especially that Angola are a good team,” he added.
Taoussi defended his squad selection, saying he based his choices on the players’ current displays and consistency.
Several Moroccan stars were dropped from the team’s Nations Cup, including Marouane Chamakh, Aded Taraabt and skipper Houcine Kharja. The roster includes several players who will play at the tournament for the first time.
“I am not worried about the lack of experience. Normally young players are eager to show their worth and I want to take advantage of their enthusiasm, especially that they are all talented,” Taoussi said.
Taoussi, who helped Morocco reach the Nations Cup after replacing Belgian coach Eric Gerets, said he intends to prepare the team for the “present and future”. Morocco will host the next edition of the Nations Cup in 2015.
“I am building a team for this CAN and for the future also. I want to secure the future of the Atlas Lions,’’ he concluded.
Short link: