As the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, kicks into gear, Morocco’s midfielder Bilal El Khannouss expresses admiration for the top-notch training facilities in San Pedro. The Atlas Lions were the first team to touch down in the West African country, setting a positive tone for their campaign.
Arriving on a Sunday afternoon, the North African giants wasted no time immersing themselves in the preparations, with their initial training session taking place on Monday at the stadium Auguste-Denise de San Pédro. El Khannouss was effusive in his praise for the facilities, labeling them as the best he has encountered during his time in Africa.
“I think it’s the best facility that I have seen since I played in Africa. The hotel is also perfect,” remarked El Khannouss. “We have everything to prepare well,” he added, emphasizing the crucial role that top-notch facilities play in a team’s readiness.
Playing in his debut TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, El Khannouss acknowledged the unwavering support of Moroccan fans and expressed the team’s determination to make them proud. “We know that the Moroccan supporters are always behind us. We saw it in all competitions. We will do everything to make them proud. I thank them for the support they give us all the time,” said the KRC Genk midfielder.
El Khannouss, looking forward to gaining wisdom from the guidance of CAF Awards Coach of the Year Walid Regragui, emphasized the team’s commitment to giving their best on the field. “We will listen to what the coach will tell us, and with that, we will do our best.”
Morocco’s AFCON journey commences with a match against Tanzania on Wednesday, 17 January, followed by encounters with DR Congo three days later and Zambia on 24 January.
All matches are set to unfold at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro. As the Atlas Lions gear up for the challenges ahead, the positive feedback on the training facilities reflects a promising start to their AFCON 2023 campaign.
