Renowned Ghanaian football journalist and former Editor for the Asante Kotoko Express, Jerome Otchere, has said that the historic achievement by the Moroccan National team at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar is a result of intentional efforts channeled into the development of their game.
Speaking on Happy98.9 FM’s Twitter spaces on the topic, the Moroccan success story and what relevant cues other African countries could take, Jerome Otchere, noted that the effort of the North African side is only feasible should other countries pay attention to the development of significant aspects of the game.
“I’ve listened to a lot of commentaries not only in Ghana and on the continent but across the international space and the comments have all be positive about the Moroccan side and that is due them. They have put in significant efforts in developing their game and many media persons here would attest to that fact. Going into the tournament I did not imagine any African side pulling that weight and being a force to reckon with but this side have been daring enough,” he shared.
“They themselves could be surprised at what they have done. But this is not just a stroke of luck but careful developments of their game. They are bossing on the international side anyhow you’d look at it but been intentional from their side. Their local teams are doing well on the continental level and bossing it. They have won the CAF Champions league and the Confederation Cup and they women’s team have been excellent. So, in as much as this comes surprising to most of us it shouldn’t and they deserve the best in this edition of the World Cup,” he added.
Jerome Otchere further indicated that the statement by the Moroccan team in this year’s edition of the World Cup has exposed the country to the rest of the world as the world’s attention has been drawn to the impressive talents produced. He likened Morocco’s exposure to that of Ghana in the 2010 edition of the Mundial but this time only bigger.
When Morocco plays host to defending champions France on Wednesday, it will be the first time an African country has participated in a World Cup semifinal.
Morocco has already beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the last four in Qatar and they look confident to later beat France to reach the finals of the competition with about 20,000 Morocco fans expected at the Al Bayt Stadium for the match.
By: Jude Tackie