Interview with Badr Banoun, captain of the local Atlas Lions
Le Matin: The national team had difficulty entering the match against Libya. The players have multiplied the errors, especially at the level of transmissions. Did the importance of the match (a semi-final) and the nature of the opponent (a North African derby) influence the players?
Yes, it's true. We don't have many players in the squad who have already played in a semi-final of African competition. I think that except for Salaheddine Saïdi and Anas Zniti who are experienced players, the rest of the group has reached this level of competition for the first time. In addition, we did not expect the Libyan team to just defend. It was believed that the Libyans would open the game and attack. Faced with this tactic, we were able to stay focused and applied until the opener in the second
half time.
What did Jamal Sellami tell you at half-time, when the national team had all the difficulties in the first half?
He asked us to be patient. He trusted us. We also have confidence in our attackers. The proof: Ayoub El Kaabi scored two goals in crucial moments of the match. I thank the Moroccan public who were behind us from the start to the end of the match.
Did Anas Zniti's error not influence the performance of the national team?
The mistake made by Anas Zniti can happen to any player. This error gave us more determination to seek victory and qualification in the final. We were all behind him and we managed to give him this victory. Ziti remains a great keeper.
Does the transfer offers received by Badr Banoun not influence your performance in this CHAN?
Not at all. I received two official offers, but they did not meet my expectations. I hope to be on the final list of 23 players who will be called up to play in the 2018 World Cup.
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