The Morocco head coach has rotated his squad for the final Group A match against Zambia in Annaba with an eye on a massive clash against hosts Algeria in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday.
Morocco lost 2-1 thanks to Zambia scoring two late goals, but Siba says he is happy to have achieved his goals for the tournament; Give players a chance without minutes and give them a better rest for Wednesday.
„We changed our whole 11 in practice. We played with our second team and the satisfaction was huge because they had a few minutes in the game and showed us what options we have,” the coach said.
Resting key players gives them a better chance when they face Algeria in the final group game on Friday, he adds.
He is already looking forward to what is expected to be a fire-cracker against the hosts in Constantine.
„It’s a derby that will be played with great passion and everyone wants to win. It’s a football match and we will prepare well for it. We respect Algeria and we know it won’t be an easy match,” commented the coach.
The tactician says his team is driven by the desire to qualify for the World Cup and will give it their all in this tournament to achieve their dream and ambition.