Speaking at a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Center in Maâmoura to unveil the list of selected players, the national coach emphasized the "continuous teamwork on all the details in order to prepare a strong and competitive national team," adding that the most important thing is qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"We have scheduled two matches against Ghana and Burkina-Faso, given their physical strength and their good FIFA ranking," said Halilhodzic, adding that "playing against African teams requires work on the mental level and collective action".

It is always a source of concern because these matches take place in different conditions requiring concentration and a physical and mental presence in view of the physical strength and competitiveness of the opposing teams", he said, specifying that the training for these two games is very important for the national team to continue the work on all points and details.

The national coach highlighted the work on and off the pitch through communication with the players to ensure their readiness for the qualifiers next September.

In light of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, the coach stressed the establishment of a special program for players for an exemplary preparation, adding that he had wished to play friendly matches outside Morocco.

Regarding the postponement of qualifying matches for the World Cup in Qatar, Halilhodzic said the Atlas Lions are in the final stages of preparations and will make the best use of the remaining time to further strengthen their preparations.

He also indicated that the unveiled list includes players playing in the national championship, like Anas Zniti, Ahmed Réda Tagnaouti, Ayoub El Amloud, Yahya Jabrane, Ayoub El Kaabi and Soufiane Rahimi, experienced elements who demonstrated a distinguished performance and level.

He said that including Ilias Chair, who plays at Queens Park Rangers, came after a follow-up of the matches he played with his club.

The national team list unveiled by Vahid Halilhodzic was marked by the presence of the pillars of the Atlas Lions playing in the five European championships.

The national team will play a friendly match with Ghana on June 8 and with Burkina-Faso on the 12th of the same month at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat at 8:00 p.m.