U-17 AFCON: Morocco coach Said Chiba reflects difficult triumph over Nigeria

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Head Coach of the Morocco U-17 team, Said Chiba has described as a difficult his side’s Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Nigeria at the 2023 U-17 African Cup of Nations in Algeria.

The North African side had to rely on Tochukwu Ogboji’s own goal to see off the West African side which sealed their place in the quarter-final of the 12-nation youth competition.

Following a back-to-back clinical wins over South Africa and Nigeria, the Moroccan handler recounted their tough and exciting start to the tournament on the North African soil.

“The game was very difficult and we didn’t have easy chances to score. But we used one of the three chances we had. We knew that Nigeria knew some of our tactics and we knew we had to be efficient in attack,” Chiba told CAFOnline.com.

“We were patient and organized the whole game and I am pleased with our performance. What was difficult today is that we faced a very good and physical Nigeria side and it was not easy to get many chances. But it’s true we have some work to do offensively and we will try to do better on that.”

Morocco will now shift focus on its last group game against Zambia and the former Morocco international is upbeat about his side putting up another clinical display.

“We want to ensure that we are fresh for the quarter-finals so most of the players who have been involved in the first two matches will be rested and we also give others a chance,” said.

Morocco’s best-ever performance in their previous two appearances at the tournament was a fourth-place finish in 2013 and they are keen to go one better this time round by reaching the final and winning the title.