1st Semifinal: Wednesday, 1st February 2017: Burkina Faso Vs Egypt – Libreville
2nd Semifinal: Thursday, 2nd February 2017: Cameroon Vs Ghana – Franceville
Morocco head coach, Herve Renard has stated how difficult it is to predict who will come top in the semifinals of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Renard, one of the vastly experienced coaches on the continent turned around the fortunes of Morocco, from a bogey side to very respectable outfit.
Addressing the media at the official post-match press conference following Morocco’s 1-0 loss to the seven-time AFCON winners, Egypt, he noted;
It’s too difficult to say who is favorite to win in the semifinal.
I wish all the teams the best and I respect the four sides of the semifinal.
Concerning that particular game where his team conceded in the final two minutes of normal time, the former AFCON winner with Zambia and Cote D’Voire hailed the Pharaohs.
First of all, I say congratulations to Egypt and their coach. They are a very strong team and it was hard to beat them.
They returned after a long absence and what a return it is. I am satisfied with my team’s performance.
All the players were professional and I congratulate them. Bousoffa was exceptional and he helped his young teammates and I’m very proud of them.
Missed chances:
He attributes the loss to a barrage of missed goal scoring opportunities that possibly would have created the difference on the night.
He also apologized to the populous of Morocco for falling short of their expectations.
We got some chances but we didn’t score and this is football.
My only regret is for Moroccan people and my players. Good luck for Egypt. We are going home but we were very good.
Morocco joined DR Congo, Tunisia and pre-tournament favourites Senegal as the countries who bowed out at the quarterfinals.
