MOROCCO CONFIDENT AHEAD OF BRAZIL CLASH, SAYS OUAHBI.

World Cup semi-finalists Morocco are brimming with confidence ahead of their
tournament opener against Brazil, with coach Mohamed Ouahbi insisting his side will
remain faithful to its identity despite injury setbacks.

Speaking on the eve of the Group C encounter, Ouahbi said the Atlas Lions were
ready for the challenge and eager to begin their campaign.

“The atmosphere is positive. We are very confident. We trust in the physical
condition of the players, in what we have put in place, and in the principles and
values we have instilled,” he said.

“The goal is to improve match after match. I think we are in a good position to start
the tournament.”

Morocco will be without the injured duo of Abde Ezzalzouli and Nayef Aguerd, but Ouahbi
believes his squad has enough depth to cope.

“We won’t change our principles much. We’ve shown good things, and we’ll keep
showing them by staying true to our principles,” he added.

“We feel sorry for Abde and Naef because they are very important players, but we
had already found solutions. We are confident and will continue to do what we
usually do.”

Captain Achraf Hakimi also expressed confidence ahead of the showdown with
Brazil and highlighted the importance of collective defending against players such as
Vinícius Júnior.

“Everyone knows Brazil and the quality of their players. To defend against Vinicius
and the other Brazilian players, you have to defend as a team, with clear ideas.”
Hakimi said.

“We have trained and prepared for this kind of match. I think the team is ready.
Personally, I feel ready and have the confidence needed to play a great match.”

The Paris Saint-Germain full-back also backed Morocco’s quality as they prepare to
face the five-time world champions.

“We know Brazil, its history, and the quality of its players. But we also have quality. In
Africa, they call us the ‘Brazilians of Africa’.

“I believe we are ready to do something important, with confidence and with the
support of all Moroccans.”

Hakimi, however, stressed that Morocco’s immediate focus is solely on the opening
game.

“We want to start in the best possible way. Right now, we are only thinking about
tomorrow, about delivering the best possible performance and winning the match.”