New Delhi, July 9: Afcon champions, Morocco, have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial clash against WC 2022 runners-up, France, as their prolific striker Ismael Saibari was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The PSV Eindhoven striker, who is set to join Bayern Munich this summer, picked up the injury during the side's 3-0 triumph over co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16. Head coach, Mohamed Ouhabi, confirmed the news on Thursday during the pre-match press conference.
"Everyone is 100 percent fit except Saibari. This game comes too soon for him, but I hope he is not out for the rest of the competition. "
The 24-year-old has been the goal-scoring machine in the side's standout performance at the World Cup. He became the first African player
to score in all the matches of the knockout.
However, his impressive run came to a halt after he was forced off with a hamstring problem against Canada. If the Atlas Lions overcome France, Ouahbi believes Saibari could still feature in the semifinals.
"He's not ready, but I hope it's not the end of the tournament for him," the Morocco coach added. In Saibari's absence, striker Soufiane Rahimi, who replaced him against Canada and found the net, is expected to lead Morocco's attack.
Morocco Eye Revenge Against France
Morocco will be driven by the memory of their 2-0 semifinal defeat to France at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a tournament in which they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the final four. Despite already matching another impressive World Cup run by reaching the quarterfinals, Ouahbi dismissed any suggestion that his side should be satisfied with their campaign.
"We absolutely want to win the game tomorrow, so we will not listen to people who say it doesn't matter if we go out now. "
"Tomorrow, we will try to get to the semifinals. I don't like this sentiment that we have already done well and anything else is a bonus," added Ouahbi, who took over from Walid Regragui in March.
Brahim Diaz Backs Morocco Against Tournament Favourites
Morocco forward Brahim Diaz believes the Atlas Lions have what it takes to upset one of the tournament favourites despite facing a French side packed with world-class talent, including his Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe.
"Tomorrow, we are playing one of the favourites, but we have shown we can compete, and that is why we are here. I have full faith and full confidence in the team. "
