In-form Moroccan forward Zakaria Ouazane has revealed he was pleased with his teammates’ approach to their vital victory over hosts Algeria in the quarterfinals of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday in Constantine.
Ouazane bagged a brace in the Atlas Cubs 3-0 win at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium, and the 16-year-old praised the team’s calmness despite the numerous pressures they were under before and during the match against the host nation.
The 30000-capacity stadium was fully packed, with a larger percentage of the home fans jeering at the Atlas Cubs, but Said Chiba’s side were unflustered as they held on to comfortably dispatch the Fennec Foxes and seal a spot in the semifinals and a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“It was a tough atmosphere but as players we collected ourselves mentally and decided to stay calm,” the youngster said.
“We knew it was not going to be easy but we approached the game well and with a very relaxed mind.
“The World Cup is massive for us as players. We have desired to play at such a stage and we are delighted. Now we have to focus on the next match which is the semi-final and make sure we go one better,” the Morocco No. 18 said.
A top performance in the quarter-finals! ????????
Zakaria Ouazane is the #MARALG TotalEnergies Man of the Match! ????#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/4ViEdGcFlt
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 ???? (@CAF_Online) May 10, 2023
Ouazane was rightfully named the man of the match as he kept tormenting the Algerian defense all through the game. The Ajax youth team forward has three goals to his name in the tournament and reveals he is thankful for all the support.
“Honestly this is a huge moment for me and I want to thank everyone from my teammates, to the fans and my family in Morocco and in the Netherlands. It was as a result of teamwork that I got this,” he added.
Morocco will now prepare for the semifinals of the competition as they await the winners of the match between Mali and Congo, whom they will face on Sunday, May 14 at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba.
