Morocco have been one of the surprise packages at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but Pitso Mosimane already discussed their strength ahead of the tournament.
The Atlas lions progressed as winners from Group F ahead of 2018 runners up Croatia, and currently world No.2 Belgium, who were sent home packing along with Canada
Morocco’s 2-1 win over the latter sealed their spot in the 2022 knockout stages, where they will face Spain in the round of 16.
Many are surprised by how well Walid Regragui and his team are doing at the tournament after collecting two wins and one draw so far, but Mosimane already spoke about Morocco’s rise in June after completing his CAF Pro Licence.
“You know, football in North Africa, not to say anything about my country, but the football in North Africa is totally different from South Africa,” Mosimane said.
“Here football, there’s rugby and there’s cricket, in North Africa it’s only football and politics and religion of course.
“The Moroccans are looking at this differently, they want their coaches in Europe and in Europe can never have any excuses that we are not qualified.
“So, we have to be very careful Morocco is going in a different way. And they will lead Africa for years to come, they are strong and they are very aggressive and you can see them.
“I’ve been there for the last three years, you will be amazed to see what this country has done, they have the biggest vision ever and you come to my country, I’m sorry we are 20 years behind Morocco. North Africa takes football very seriously.”
With Morocco’s 2-1 over Canada, African teams have collected six wins at the World Cup for the first time in history.
