Morocco defender Nesryn El Chad reckoned the Atlas Lionesses must put up a strong defensive performance to beat title holders Nigeria in their semi-final clash at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.
The two countries will look to secure a place in the final of the competition when they square up at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Rabat on Monday night (today).
The Lionesses are unbeaten in the competition, but will face their biggest test against the title holders.
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El Chad insisted that the she and her teammates must produce a strong performance to reach the final.
“We will have to be rigorous and solid defensively if we want to qualify for the final, no matter who the opponent is in front of us,” El Chad told CAFonline.
“We must remain strong and organised at the back … We are ready on all levels, physically, technically and tactically.”
The game will kick-off at 9pm Nigeria time.
By Adeboye Amosu
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COMMENTS
Ok nah
** Nigeria v Morocco: Preview **
Today’s Wafcon semifinal encounter between Nigeria and Morocco promises to be an intriguing encounter.
In Nigeria’s quater final slim but sumptuous triumph against Cameroon, that match was cagey and anticlimactic for most parts. When it comes to entertainment factor, that match will not live long in the memory.
The Super Falcons were the most cautious, defensive and practical than they had been in the competition. The same could be said for the Indomitable Lionesses who also committed much resources in negating and neutralising Nigeria.
It was a slugfest at times.
But Cameroon were a bit more daring which proved their undoing as Ajibade stole behind the fullback to stab home from close range when they least expected.
One would expect today’s encounter to be more open, vibrant and thoroughly enthralling with high entertainment value. But, going by what both coaches have been saying, I think fans are set to (again) witness two teams try to cancel each other out which dilutes the entertainment content.
But the coaches and players won’t care. Entertainment doesn’t win football matches, goals do (either by scoring or by not conceding, which will be paramount in the minds of the coaches and players).
That said, there will definitely be entertainment on offer. Morocco have a number of flair players who will aim to inflict harm with charm. The Super Falcons on their part have exciting players who will be keen to leave their mark on the encounter in an emphatic manner.
So, the practical and rigid approach of each coach will still yield some inevitable jaw dropping moments from the players.
This will be the ultimate West meets North. Whenever that happens, fireworks are inescapable, regardless of the instructions issued to the players!
This match has certain key areas where it will be won and lost for Morrocco they’ll have to play faster on the ball to avoid engaging Nigeria in 50/50 tussles,duel winning because Nigeria are stronger physically and more athletic and will bully them maybe they’ll be able to score an open play goal for the first time because I doubt Nigeria will give them time and space to score from corners which has yielded almost 70% of their goals, Nigeria though are prone to giving away cheap and needless free kicks and must avoid that especially closer to goal,the SF must not dwell on the ball for too long due to the energetic nature by which Morrocco play with in order not to concede possession in dangerous areas, Nigeria are stronger in transition and must utilise their unmatched athletism to the fullest as well as be more clinical in front of goal because like @deo said this will be a match of few chances.with all said and done I wish the Super Falcons victory tonight.
This will be a very easy match for SF only if we shut down there flanks by not allowing them bring pull outs or Crosses to our 18yrd box…if we do just that…we will beat them silly in there backyard.
The game will be an entertaining one
Interested