Taoussi ready for South Africa tussle

26 January 2013 16:26

Morocco coach Rachid Taoussi wants to remain positive, as the North African team is not out of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations yet.

If his side beat South Africa they will progress to the quarterfinals, possibly at the expense of the hosts, with Bafana Bafana requiring only a draw to progress as they sit atop Group A on four points.

The Moroccans, however, have two points from as many games, and require all three on Sunday if they are to reach the final eight.

And Taoussi said his side are ready to get a result against the tournament hosts.

"The preparations have gone well. All the players are ready in all aspects that include physically, mentally and technically. They are all keen on winning. We have to learn from our mistakes and we are now ready to make our fans back home happy," Taoussi said.

The coach spoke confidently about his team's chances against Bafana Bafana, even though he admitted he's not sure whether his opposing coach Gordon Igesund will attack or defend.

"We know that Bafana might play defensive football, or attack, but we will be happy if we can just get the full points out of this game. This will also help us not rely on how other teams perform," he said.

Morocco won the AFCON their one and only time in their history almost 37 years ago, and Taoussi compares the old generation team to modern day players from his country.

"At that time the focus was on individual players, whereas now the focus is on a team," he said.

"Every player needs to add value and no one should claim for individual glory. We are building a team once again and it starts in this tournament."