Morocco midfielders Azzedine Ounahi and Ayyoub Bouaddi reflected on the Atlas Lions’ 3–0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16, a result that secured their place in the quarter-finals, www.aclsports.com reports.
The 2022 semi-finalists made history by becoming the first African nation to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals, while also becoming the first African side to score three goals in a World Cup knockout match. Azzedine Ounahi was the standout performer, scoring twice in a dominant second-half display that broke down the co-hosts.
Ounahi admitted Morocco endured a difficult opening period but praised the team’s tactical adjustments and collective response after the break.
“We faced an opponent who played like it was the game of their lives. We had problems especially in the first half, but in the second half we tried to find solutions, and thank God it worked. The players who came on made a big difference,” he said.
“I am very proud of this group. We have players who start matches and others who come on and bring important energy and impact. We are happy, especially seeing our people celebrating outside, enjoying themselves. God willing, we will keep fighting and go as far as possible.”
He also highlighted Morocco’s improved control in possession after the interval.
“Canada didn’t really press high; they were in a mid-block. We had problems building from the back and breaking their first line. They tried to trap us on one side to press us. In the second half, we found solutions for that. We were calmer, we spoke to each other, and we came back stronger.”
Reflecting on the demands of tournament football, Ounahi added:
“In a World Cup, there are no easy games. Some people on social media thought Morocco would easily go through, but we saw the opponent gave everything. They could have taken us into extra time, and that would have been a very different match with fatigue. But thank God, we finished it in 90 minutes.”
He dedicated the win to the Moroccan people and leadership, praising their support throughout the tournament.
“I want to thank His Majesty for his support and messages. Without his vision for football, we wouldn’t be here today. I also want to thank the Moroccan people. It brings me close to tears when I see them celebrating outside, old men, young people, children, everyone watching and celebrating.”
Bouaddi said Morocco remain focused despite the scale of their achievement.
“I am very proud to play for Morocco. We don’t yet know who we will face next, but we are ready for any opponent and we will give 100 per cent in the next game, God willing.”
Reflecting on his first World Cup experience, Bouaddi added:
“It’s my first World Cup, it’s something incredible. The team and the Moroccan people are proud, and we will continue working to make them even prouder.”
Morocco will now face France in the quarter-finals after Les Bleus edged Paraguay 1–0. The game holds on Thursday at the Foxborough Stadium, Boston.
