Morocco’s win gives Flames food for thought

Morocco’s 6-0 comprehensive demolition of Mali in a 2018 World Cup qualifier has given the Flames plenty of food for thought ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in March next year.

The Atlas Lions showed no mercy in the destruction of the Eagles in Casablanca on Friday.

The Flames, who ironically are also in the North African nation for camp training, watched the match on television from the comfort of their hotel rooms.

Captain Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava admitted that it will take something special to beat the Moroccans at their backyard.

He said: “I watched the game and the Moroccans were, by far, tactically and technically ahead. The gulf in class was just so huge. It was difficult for Mali to cope with the fast and swift Moroccans. But such is the beauty of football that thrashing Mali is no guarantee that they will have an easy ride against us, but then it has given us a hint on what to expect.”

Mzava also suggested the need to consider beefing up the squad with a few established players, citing Robin Ngalande and Tawonga Chimodzi who have returned to South Africa and Greece, respectively.

“Get me right, I am not saying the coaches should abandon the young players, but they should also take the initiative to check on how the likes of Robin, Tawonga and even Atusaye [Nyondo] are doing since they are now active.”

On his part, Flames coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) said having watched the game, he realised that the Moroccans were tactically and technically sound.

Ironically, his assistant Gerald Phiri said the result was not a true reflection of the game.

He said: “I think the Malians were careless to concede a penalty and then made a needless defensive error that resulted in conceding two goals in 20 minutes.”

The Flames and hosts Cameroon top Group B of the 2019 Afcon qualifiers with three points apiece while Morocco are third. n