Now we can focus on Qatar 2022 – Morocco’s Halilhodzic

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Jun 15, 2022. 11:00

Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic says he is happy to be able to turn his attention toward preparation for the 2022 World Cup after a successful start to their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Atlas Lions all but ensured that they will appear at the finals in Ivory Coast next year when they defeated Liberia 2-0 in Casablanca on Monday night.

Morocco top the Group K log with six points and given that there are just three teams competing (following the disqualification of Zimbabwe), it is highly likely that the North Africans will finish in the top two and secure a ticket to the next AFCON.

In fact, Morocco’s qualification could be confirmed without them even kicking a ball in September, depending on the results of the scheduled double-header between Liberia and South Africa.

“We deserve this victory,” Halilhodzic was quoted by Lions de Atlas.

“I gave several players the opportunity to show themselves and to expand the list of candidates for the World Cup,” he continued.

“Each player wanted to show himself and prove that we can count on him. It’s a good thing and I congratulate them for this victory which can be described as easy.

“We are almost qualified for the next AFCON and that’s very good because we can calmly prepare and think about the World Cup.”

Morocco will face Croatia, Belgium and Canada in Group F at the World Cup in Qatar, opening their campaign against the previous tournament’s runners-up in Al Khor on 23 November.