TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know Your Team: Morocco
Morocco enters the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 looking to make history by becoming the first nation to win the tournament three times, having already claimed back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2020.
Factfile
Nickname: Atlas Lions
Previous Appearances: 4 (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020)
Best Finish: Champions (2018, 2020)
CHAN Titles: 2
FIFA Ranking: 14
Head Coach: Tarik Sektioui
Know Your Coach: Tarik Sektioui
Former international Tarik Sektioui brings considerable experience to his role as head coach of the Atlas Lions. His playing career saw him don the colors of several European clubs, including FC Porto and AJ Auxerre, before transitioning into coaching where he has enjoyed success with various Moroccan clubs including FUS Rabat, RS Berkane, and AS FAR. His appointment marks a new chapter as Morocco seeks unprecedented success in the competition.
Sektioui, who has previously managed Morocco's U19 and Olympic teams, faces the considerable challenge of maintaining the nation's dominance in the competition. His extensive experience with local football, having managed several top-tier Moroccan clubs and won both domestic and continental titles, positions him well for this task.
How They Qualified
The Atlas Lions qualified automatically for CHAN 2024 as the only representative so far from the North African Football Union zone. They enter the tournament sharing the record for most titles (2) with DR Congo, making their fifth appearance in the competition since their debut in South Africa 2014.
Morocco at CHAN
Morocco's journey in CHAN has been particularly impressive in recent years. After their first appearance in 2014, they participated in three consecutive tournaments (2016, 2018, and 2020), culminating in back-to-back victories in their last two appearances. Their absence from the 2022 edition has only heightened their determination to reclaim the trophy.
Fun Fact: Morocco became the first host nation to win the CHAN tournament in 2018 and the first country to win back-to-back titles (2018, 2020)
What to Expect
The Atlas Lions will be eager to demonstrate why they are considered among the favorites for the title, as they aim to become the first nation to win three CHAN tournaments and establish themselves as the most successful team in the competition's history.