World Cup ’94 : WORLD CUP USA ’94 / GROUP F PREVIEW : The Weight of History : Morocco Has Been an African Soccer Trendsetter Despite Interference at Home
Once, Morocco carried the banner for African nations in the World Cup.
In 1970, it was the first African nation to qualify for the tournament in modern times. In 1986, at Mexico, it was the first African nation to win its first-round group, beating Portugal and tying England and Poland. It narrowly missed upsetting a heavily favored German team, losing in the second round, 1-0, on a last-minute free kick by Lothar Matthaeus.
Since then, other African countries have challenged and surpassed Morocco’s supremacy. Morocco didn’t qualify for the 1990 World Cup, and it hasn’t played well at the African Nations Cup. Its journey to the United States is something of a surprise, one not easily accomplished. But now the real pressure begins.
“There is 1970, 1986. The responsibility is stifling,” Coach Abdellah Ajri said.
Ajri, a former international-level handball player, took over from Abdelkhalek Louzani before the last World Cup qualifying game, against Zambia. Louzani had been ordered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to recall several players from their European clubs, and the clash in philosophies led to his dismissal.
If the meddlesome ministry wasn’t enough, Ajri also must look over his shoulder at King Hassan II, an avid fan who called the coach several times before that game against Zambia. In addition, there has been tension between players summoned home from Europe and those who play at home.
“It’s tough to play with a Moroccan from the national league,” said striker Mohamed Chaouch, who plays in France, for Nice. “They are very technical, but they always try too much. There is always something lacking.”
Ajri’s best European find was 22-year-old midfielder Mustapha Hadji, who was playing for Nancy in the French Second Division. Ajri coaxed him into playing for Morocco instead of France, and Hadji rewarded him with a strong national team debut in the 1-0 victory over Zambia that established him as a potential leader.
Ajri will need Hadji’s talent and more if Morocco is to be competitive in Group F, which also includes the Netherlands, Belgium and Saudi Arabia.
Mustapha El Haddaoui, also a midfielder, is the only returning player from the 1986 team. El Haddaoui, 32, plays for the French team Angers. He has been bothered by a bad ankle this season and his fitness is questionable. However, Ajri appreciates El Haddaoui’s experience. “If we trail, 1-0, he will be able to steady play,” Ajri said. “He won’t feel the pressure.”
The scoring burden will fall primarily on striker Chaouch, who has spent most of his professional career in France. He led Morocco with five goals in qualifying play.
Rachid Daoudi, a midfielder who plays for Widad of Casablanca, scored three goals. Daoudi, who is known for his powerful left foot, plays a strong defensive game on the left side of the midfield and often shadows opponents’ top scorers.
On defense, Noureddine Naybet, who plays in France for Nantes, is considered the key. He’s calm, precise and good at defending against passes made in the air.
Ajri’s preparation was hampered when the sports ministry failed to arrange warm-up games against European national teams. He had hoped to arrange those games to get an idea of where his team stood but instead settled for training in France and playing various European clubs.
