The host nation needs defensive solidity to be able to keep up with the reigning champions, says their defensive kingpin
Morocco defender Nesryn El Chad is aware that the Super Falcons are a well-oiled attacking team that needs to be contained for the Atlas Lionesses to stand a chance to progress to the final of the Women Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night.
Nigeria are the clear favourites ahead of their semifinal clash against hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Complex in Rabat later tonight.
The nine-time Wafcon champions have an impressive track record and experience matched by no other on the continent.
One of the best attacking sides in Morocco, the Super Falcons have fired eight goals past four opponents, winning three and losing only to South Africa.
The reigning African queens even boast a better head-to-head against Morocco at the Wafcon, winning their two previous meetings by a 14-0 aggregate scoreline.
In front of an expected 50 000 passionate home fans, the Atlas Lionesses will want to avoid another embarrassing thrashing.
And Nesryn El Chad has revealed that staying defensively solid against a potent Falcons attack will be crucial to beating the West Africans.
“We will have to be rigorous and solid defensively if we want to qualify for the final, no matter who the opponent is in front of us,” the Moroccan defender told the media, as per Cafonline.
“We must remain strong and organised at the back… We are ready on all levels, physically, technically, and tactically.”
Nigeria have won nine of eleven semifinals contested at the Nations Cup, going on to lift the trophy on each of those successful occasions.
Morocco are appearing in their first semifinal of the competition. This is the first time the Lionesses will make it past the group stage at the Wafcon.