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Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi stated that the Atlas Lions require more depth in their team to regularly challenge for significant trophies following their World Cup campaign, which concluded with a 2-0 loss in the quarter-finals against France on Thursday.

Ouahbi stated that Morocco needs to cultivate more players who can step in for injured or unavailable starters without a major decline in performance, highlighting the bench as a critical area for enhancement following a challenging tournament campaign.

“We require additional choices on the bench at the necessary standard, particularly to substitute injured athletes or those who aren’t completely prepared,” he mentioned following the game.

Morocco faced challenges throughout the first half against a strong French team but stayed tied after Yassine Bounou saved Kylian Mbappé’s penalty. Ouahbi mentioned his team had been looking for a “second wind” before showing improvement in the second half.

We encountered a highly formidable opponent,” he stated. “In the second half, with the same team, we performed better. Our defense was stronger and we remained more composed while in possession of the ball.

France managed to score in the 60th minute, followed by a second goal six minutes later, which put an end to Morocco’s attempt at advancing to the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in a row.

Ouahbi expressed disappointment but stated that the loss would not affect the long-term plan for a young Moroccan team.

“We will not allow this setback to defeat us,” he stated, emphasizing that Morocco needs to keep focusing on its core aspects while broadening the group of players able to excel at the top level.

When questioned about the team’s broader impact beyond Morocco, Ouahbi mentioned that the players recognized they stood for millions of Moroccans, along with fans throughout Africa, the Arab region, and diaspora groups.

“Many individuals across the globe identify with this group,” he stated.

Ouahbi stated that Morocco’s goal continued to be forming a team that could not only achieve deep runs in tournaments but also secure championships.

He stated, ‘The future will be extremely pleasant if we maintain this course.’ ‘We will persist in our efforts for the future.’

The post “We will not let this setback defeat us”: Ouahbi prioritizes team depth following World Cup elimination appeared first on English – Morocco News.