How Golden Eaglets Plan to Overcome Tough Moroccan Side in U17 AFCON Fixtures Today [Pre-Match Interviews]

 

Golden Eaglets is anticipating a huge battle against Morocco today Wednesday. Head coach Nduka Ugbade says his side’s duel against Morocco in their second Group B match at the 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Constantine will be a massive tactical battle.

The tactician admitted that his team must step up their game, their tactical awareness and determination to fight till the end to clinch the three points at stake.

“It is going to be a very tough match and I must admit that Morocco is a very good side. I watched their game against South Africa and saw they move the ball so well and technically sound. But, we are going for just three things; win, win win,” Ugbade said in Tuesday’s press conference, as he previewed the duel against the Atlas Cubs.

"We have reviewed our first game against Zambia and found that we must work on our concentration althrough duration of every match, improve in creating chances and be more lethal in front of goal."

"The match against Morocco will be a huge tactical game and we have already worked on countering their strength in the middle, to stop their free flowing possesional football style and to take advantage of some of the weak points we discovered during their game against South Africa."

"We also discussed about their antics to provoke our players. We must keep cool head and not attract unnecessary bookings from the referee. We have let our boys know that it is usually part of north African teams' tactics to provoke their opponent and lead them to yellow and red card bookings.. We cannot afford to play short one or be very precautional because our boys have been booked yellow cards."

Golden Eaglets forward Tochukwu Ogbabido reckoned they are on good confidence to grab a win and take over top of the group.

Morocco is a really tough opponent and we respect them a lot. They are a good side and we saw this from their game against South Africa,” Ogbabido told a press conference on Tuesday.

“We will definitely step up to do our best and try to create victory because it is important for us to advance to the next round.”

Morocco leads Group B with three points and two goals from their 2-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday, while the Golden Eaglets are second also with three points, but with only a goal following their opening day 1-0 win over Zambia.

Whoever wins the duel today Wednesday will affirm their place in the last eight and Ugbade says he wants this to be his side.