WORLD CUP FOCUS: Al Ahly striker Walid Azarou delights in Morocco return

Walid Azarou

Wednesday Mar 21, 2018. 10:00

Following his call-up to the Moroccan national team for international friendlies, Al Ahly striker Walid Azarou has expressed delight.

Azarou returned to the Atlas Lions set up and has thanked the Red Devils coach, Hossam El-Badry for his comeback.

The forward is currently the top scorer of the Egyptian Premier League with 17 goals so far this season and became the first foreigner in the history of the league to reach this milestone.

Azarou reaped the fruits of his great performances and was called up by Herve Renard for Morocco’s friendlies against Serbia and Uzbekistan.

“I’m sure we will make the nation proud. I am always happy when I receive a call from the head coach, a call from the homeland is special for me,” Azarou told BBC Sport.

“I will not need time to adapt with the national team. When I was a player with Difaâ El Jadida before joining Al Ahly I was part of the national team. I know the atmosphere there and that will help me.

“I’m back with the national team after my hard work with Al Ahly and I want to thank my head coach there, Hossam El Badry, who has given me his full support.”

The Moroccans were drawn against Portugal, Spain and Iran in Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which is dubbed to be the group of death.

“Some people say this is the ‘group of death,’ but I like it. Morocco can play well against big teams, and I wanted a group like that. I saw reports suggesting Iran are not a strong side, and that is not true. They are a very good side and this match will not be easy,” he concluded.