Man of the Match Ismail Saibari set the tone after Morocco’s latest victory, hailing a collective performance that carried the Atlas Lions into the semi-finals and kept their title dream alive.
“It was a very tough match, played with a lot of intensity,” Ismail Saibari said . “We were solid defensively and, in attack, we managed to score two goals. We work very well as a group in the Moroccan national team and understand each other. We are fighting together to win the title.
“Reaching the semi-finals is important, but our aim is to go all the way to the final. Our fans supported us massively and never doubted us. Now we will rest, wait to see our semi-final opponent, and then start preparing while correcting our mistakes.”
From the Moroccan dugout, head coach Walid Regragui acknowledged both his players and the supporters, describing the qualification as fully deserved.
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“I want to thank the players and the fans. It felt like we were playing with 12 players on the pitch,” Regragui said. “Qualifying for the semi-finals is deserved, and the players earned it. When they stay focused, things go well, and I am very happy with what they showed.
“I also congratulate Cameroon and their coach for their strong performance. Brahim Díaz is a special player, and I congratulate him on his performances, but we must remain humble. Every team wants to beat us, and we must respect all our opponents. Since 2004, Morocco had not reached the semi-finals, and now we want to write history.”
Despite their exit, Cameroin head coach David Pagou expressed pride in his young side and optimism for the future.
“I am proud of my players,” Pagou said. “We competed well against Morocco and leave the tournament with our heads held high. We faced difficulties, but we responded well in the second half. The second goal we conceded decided the match.
“This is a young squad, and many of these players are experiencing continental football for the first time. They deserve credit for their efforts for the Cameroonian people, and we leave the tournament having learned many lessons, with plenty of positives to build on.”
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