Zambia national soccer team head coach Avram Grant says Morocco has an advantage over his side on paper ahead of next monthโs crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Chipolopolo, ranked sixth in Africa, faces the Moroccoโs Atlas Lions, the best ranked side on the continent, in a Group E World Cup qualification encounter slated for June 11 at the Stade de Adrar in the city of Agadir.
unity within the Chipolopolo in order to deliver a positive result as the lads confront the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists next month.
โI believe that we will keep the harmony on and off the pitch so that we can do something in Morocco. I donโt believe that there is something that is not achievable, the chance is not for us but it wonโt be the first time in my life that we play a team with a chance not being on our side.โ
The former Chelsea and Ghana boss predicted an even tougher clash playing the Atlas Lions in Morocco but also revealed that his side will ensure adequate preparation for the encounter and play to avoid defeat at the hands of the hosts.
โMorocco is a very good side but our target is to be a team that is hard to beat and I think you saw the game against Morocco at the AFCON. We fought like crazy and we were close to getting a positive result. I know at their home it will be more difficult but we will try to do it. We have difficulties but difficulties are part of the game and as a coach you have to be ready,โ the Israeli gaffer said.
Chipolopolo last faced Morocco in January this year at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and conceded a lone goal in the second half to go down 1-0 in that group stage clash.
Meanwhile, Morocco coach Walid Regragui has named a star-studded squad to face the Chipolopolo with European-based stars including PSGโs Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat of Manchester United, Real Madridโs Brahim Diaz and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou who plays for Al Hilal Club of Saudi Arabia all making the cut.
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