Confederation of African Football (Giza)
3 December 2011
Morocco qualified to the semi-finals of the CAF U-23 African Championship despite losing 1-0 to Senegal. Two wins from the first two games meant the hosts finished second in group A behind their conquerors Senegal and coach Pim Verbeek will now travel with his side to Marrakech to face Group B winners.
In a press conference after the game Verbeek was complimentary to Senegal and admitted they had lost to the better side on the day. “I congratulate my colleague Abdoulaye Sarr and Senegal for the victory and qualification. Senegal is a very good side and tonight they managed to stop us doing want we planned. They defended very well and played good football. All credit to Senegal they played their strategy well and won an entertaining tough match”.
The Dutchman went on to say “We need to improve on our players’ physical fitness. My players struggled to focus and concentrate and it’s down to our levels of physical conditioning. We looked tired and of course the hectic schedule of playing three intense matches in a short period took its toll on my players. Having said that l am pleased that we are through to the semi-finals although it means moving camp to Marrakech. We would have preferred to stay here in Tangiers but at this stage we are happy to be still in the competition.”
“So despite the travelling we have at least four days before the semi-final so we hopefully will have the players rested and in better physical condition for the next game”. Verbeek would not divulge much in the way of the preparations for the next match saying, “We have to wait and find out who we will play first and then prepare and plan for that match accordingly”
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