Morocco’s Turning Point: Mehri plots path beyond the group stage
Youssef Mehri isn’t dwelling on personal accolades or Morocco’s impressive 3-1 victory over Zambia at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2004 — his eyes are already locked on the next battle.
“We are ready for the next match against DR Congo, with the aim of passing the first round, which remains our primary objective at the moment,” the forward declared with quiet confidence.
That focus says everything about the mood in Morocco’s camp.
The two-time champions may have stumbled early in CHAN 2024, but Thursday night in Nairobi proved they still have the firepower and discipline to shape their own destiny.
Recognition for a Driving Force
Mehri’s impact against Zambia was undeniable, and the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award only confirmed it.
The striker’s delivery from a corner created Morocco’s opener, and his relentless movement kept the Zambian defence under constant strain.
“This victory is the result of collective work by the players and the technical staff,” Mihri said, reflecting on the team’s effort.
“We were more tactically disciplined and hungry for victory. The players were fully aware of the responsibility that weighs on them.”
The Zambia Match: From Frustration to Control
Under the floodlights at Nyayo National Stadium, Morocco came out with intent.
Early pressure forced errors, but three clear chances went begging before captain Mohamed Hrimat finally headed home from Mehri’s outswinging corner in first-half stoppage time.
The second half brought drama. Zambia thought they had levelled through Happy Nsiku, only for VAR to rule out the goal.
A minute later, Oussama Lamlaoui doubled Morocco’s lead, capitalising on defensive confusion. .
Zambia’s Andrew Phiri cut the deficit on 70 minutes, but Sabir Bougrine’s stoppage-time strike sealed a statement win.
The result pushed Morocco to six points in Group A — level with DR Congo and just one behind leaders Kenya — setting up a high-stakes finale on Sunday.
Why DR Congo Is Different
While Zambia came into the game wounded after two defeats, DR Congo arrive in strong form and with their own ambitions of topping the group.
Their physicality, pace on the break, and ruthlessness in front of goal make them a different kind of threat.
For Mehri, that only sharpens the focus. “We are ready for the next match,” he repeated, underlining Morocco’s determination to advance.
“The aim of passing the first round remains our primary objective at the moment.”
From Here On, No Room for Error
The Morocco forward knows that fine margins will decide Sunday’s clash.
A win secures a place in the quarter-finals; anything less could leave the Atlas Lions relying on other results.
But if the Zambia performance is any indication, Morocco have rediscovered their intensity, tactical sharpness, and belief.
For now, Mehri’s award will take a back seat to the bigger goal — making sure Morocco’s CHAN journey doesn’t end in Nairobi.