On Sunday, the coach of the national A' football team, Tarik Sektioui, expressed confidence in his players' ambition to secure a win against Saudi Arabia in the final Group B match of the Arab Cup. «A draw might be enough to advance to the quarter-finals, but our sights are set on victory to top the group,» Sektioui stated during a press conference ahead of Monday's clash at Loussail Stadium (18:00 GMT+1). «Facing Saudi Arabia, a formidable contender for the title, will be no easy task,» he admitted, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament. «Every match in this cup presents its own challenges, which is why it's crucial to approach each opponent with respect and humility. The gap between teams in this pan-Arab competition is closing, particularly during the group stage,» he observed. Sektioui also addressed the team's goalkeeping situation, clarifying that Mehdi Benabid remains the first-choice goalkeeper. He explained that Salaheddine Chihab's start against Comoros was a strategic move to give Benabid a rest and prevent any injuries. Meanwhile, player Mohamed Moufid shared that the team's preparations are progressing well, with a collective focus on securing their spot in the quarter-finals. The Wydad Casablanca player emphasized the Atlas Lions' determination to overcome the Saudis, noting that such encounters often hinge on minor details. Conversely, Saudi Arabia's assistant coach, François Rodrigues, remarked that the Saudi team is diligently preparing for the match, despite already securing their place in the quarter-finals. The other group fixture between Comoros and Oman is also set for Monday in Doha (18:00 GMT+1).
