Adel Amrouche has raised eyebrows as he prepares to face Morocco in the AFCON 2023 this Wednesday. The coach of the Tanzanian national team has made serious accusations against his upcoming opponent.
Morocco and Tanzania will clash on Wednesday in the opening day of Group F in the group stage of AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast. In the sidelines of this match, Adel Amrouche, the Algerian coach of the Tanzanian national team, made serious accusations against the Lions of the Atlas.
Initially, the coach claimed that Morocco has significant influence within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He stated in a video conference on an Algerian sports channel: “Morocco currently has significant influence in CAF. For example, in the match we played against Morocco in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (0-2 in November), we requested to play at 2 PM. But CAF scheduled the match in the evening.”
Morocco chooses referees according to Adel Amrouche
Subsequently, the 55-year-old coach explicitly accused Morocco of exercising supposed influence in the selection of referees, stating that “the Moroccan Football Federation even chooses referees. It is the decision-maker within the African institution.” Without mentioning his name, the coach was clearly referring to Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the second vice-president of CAF.
In addition to these allegations, Amrouche criticized the changes in the location of his team’s preparation camp, blaming Moroccan influence. “I had planned a preparation camp in Algeria. I had even scheduled friendly matches against Mauritania, Cape Verde, and Anderlecht. But those who influence CAF relocated our preparation location. As a result, we were forced to prepare in Cairo, as I refused the United Arab Emirates,” he lamented, concluding emphatically: “Our qualification for AFCON 2023 is well-deserved. On Wednesday, we will challenge a great football nation (Morocco, editor’s note) but also what happens behind the scenes.”
These accusations from an Algerian create a strong resonance in Morocco. However, Amrouche maintains a complex football relationship with his country, reminiscent of his tense exchanges with Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi. A rather peculiar atmosphere precedes Wednesday’s match (5 PM local time, 4 PM in France) in San Pedro…
On the Moroccan side, the focus is total
Moroccans, on their part, remain focused on their debut. The goal is clear: to win AFCON 2023, as stated by Walid Regragui himself.
The coach of the Moroccan national team affirmed on the official website of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that he aims for nothing less than the ultimate victory at the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in 2023. “We want to bring the trophy back to Morocco. That’s why we came,” he declared. Morocco has not won the AFCON since 1976 and is seeking a second continental title in 48 years.
The coach expressed confidence in his team’s chances, which include a mix of experience and youth. “I hope I have selected the best players for this competition,” he added. “We have certainties at the beginning, but the truth will be revealed through the results,” he believes. Morocco’s campaign in AFCON will begin on January 17 against Tanzania. The Lions of the Atlas will then face DR Congo and Zambia in Group F.
Walid Regragui assured that his team is well-prepared for the competition and is eager to start. “Everything is going very well. We were very well received. Perfect training conditions. We feel at home, and that’s important. We can’t wait for the competition to start,” he concluded.
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