Morocco look to 2014 after Afcon elimination

Morocco coach Rachid Taoussi was gracious in defeat following his team’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Taoussi said he was impressed with his charges after they finished without a loss in the three games they played in Group A. They played to a goalless draw against Angola and 1-all against Cape Verde before last night’s game against Bafana, which ended in a 2-all draw.

“Congratulation to South Africa and Cape Verde for making it through from the group and I wish them all the best in the tournament,” said Taoussi.

He said his players should hold their heads high after they gave it their all in the 2-all draw against South Africa.

“We put them under pressure and (they) had no answers for us because twice we led. We should have wrapped up the game but our players missed good chances. But this is how football goes and I have no regrets.”

He said it was now time to prepare for the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers. He said when they play Zambia in March his team would be ready after the experience they gathered at this tournament.

“The balance sheet is positive and we can take something out of this tournament. We have done well considering I only took over three months ago and my mandate has been to rebuild the team and I believe I am on track. If we win our next qualifiers we will be on top of the group and stand a good chance of going to Brazil and that’s our mission now. Our tournament is over and we need to think ahead,” said Taoussi.

Taoussi seemed to be agitated when asked about his future with the Moroccan team. He said people should judge him in 2015 when they host the tournament.