Moroccan football fans bid farewell to Cup dreams
2009-11-16
A dreary performance against Cameroon on Saturday dashed Morocco's hopes for a shot at the World Cup.
By Naoufel Cherkaoui for Magharebia in Rabat – 16/11/09
 [Michael Steele/Getty Images] Morocco's less-than-stellar performance in World Cup/African Nations Cup qualifiers dismays fans. |
Morocco said goodbye to the World Cup/African Nations Cup finals on Saturday (November 14th), following a crushing 2-1 loss to the Cameroon Indomitable Lions in Fez.
At the bottom of group A, Morocco needed the win to remain in contention for either competition.
The Atlas Lions gave a flimsy performance on the pitch that lacked the harmony and fighting spirit needed to eke out a win. Instead of charging the Cameroonian goal, the squad instead fell back to defend their net. Throughout the match, the Atlas Lions made only a few faint-hearted attempts to grab the lead.
The Cameroonians, however, came out fighting and boasted both power and harmony. Cameroon's defensive line lived up to its reputation of being swift to pass the ball, confusing the Moroccan squad.
Cameroon striker Pierre Webo, scored the first goal in the 18th minute, with a forceful kick that sent the ball to the left pole and straight into the Moroccan net. The Atlas Lions tried to counter the results with a disorganised offensive effort, to no avail.
Cameroon scored another goal just seconds into the second half at the 52nd minute, as striker Samuel Eto'o snatched their ticket to the World Cup.
Atlas Lions coach Hassan Moumen made excuses for his players' lacklustre performance in a press conference following the match.
"We play today with a team that can be described as spare," he said. "The absence of 14 pro players is quite enigmatic, so to speak."
Moroccan media fuelled rumours that a row between key players and Moumen over squad firings caused several star players to sit out the match in protest. Abdeslam Ouaddou, Mbarek Boussoufa and Kamal Chafini were also on the sidelines due to injury.
Moroccan players dodged responsibility for the disappointing match.
"It was very difficult. We faced a powerful team," said defender Adil Hermach. "However, it was the first time the current squad faced the team. Given the results, it is obvious we had to show a better performance."
Atlas defender Mehdi Benatia mirrored Hermach's statement.
"Perhaps we were lacking in experience. However, it is not the fault of the squad that the Cameroonians played against today, that squad which comprised many local players and youths. We gave it our best shot," Hermach said.
"Today gave Cameroon their ticket to the World Cup. We knew that the defeat would be difficult to take. We were not expecting to win, but we sure did hope for it. We ought to learn lessons from that defeat. It is a shame stigmatising Moroccan football."
Midfielder Mohammed Chihani added, "I hope that we will manage to compete at least against African states very soon. I am hoping that this is a temporary stumble."
Fans were generally frustrated by their national squad's current poor level, especially considering that the side used to be among the leading African teams.
"The Cameroonian lions devoured the Moroccan cats. Either way, the result did not come as a surprise," said Morocco fan Warda. "We were expecting it. All of Morocco is upset and ashamed of the results."
Email to a friend
Print version
Larbi Posted 2009-11-17
I think that in recent years Morocco’s football has been minding the ends much more than the means. Since professional players ensure what is essential, we easily forget the quality of the game they play, being happy with "results are what matter". But football is also a show, with beautiful, collective actions to be well carried out, with in-game speed, quickness, the rage of winning (while also accepting defeat with good sportsmanship) and so on. I am impatient to see other players like Timoumi, Bouderbala, Khjeiri, not to say any more. They gratify us with their talent.
سيمو Posted 2009-11-17
This is Simo. I say to all the players on the Moroccan team: Play with all you've got.
chillexf Posted 2009-11-19
I would first like to correct an error that sneaked into the above article: the score was 0-2, not 1-2. Hats off to the Moroccan team I would first like to correct an error crept into the paper above. The score was 0-2 and not 1-2. I tip my hat to this Moroccan team, which faced the indomitable Lions. Although they are young and perhaps not experienced enough, this did not detract from the Lions’ merit; they came to Morocco with one sole objective: VICTORY! All teams go through difficult times. (Cameroon went through its own.) I hope the Moroccans rebuild their team and silence all the differences that put this great country’s football in this situation. Stay very strong!
سفيان Posted 2009-11-21
As a Moroccan young man concerned about my country, I say you have disappointed our hopes. I think this the result of lack of understanding between players. I hope their will be a change.
bob smith Posted 2009-11-21
morocco are a very **** football team.they should bring back their old manger (zaki)and start beating some proper good team from all round the world.
We welcome your comments on Magharebia's articles.
It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across the Maghreb. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While Magharebia.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. Magharebia.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
Magharebia's Comments Policy