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Morocco's blind football team is set to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympics, with high hopes of securing a medal. The team, which made history by winning bronze at the Tokyo Games, will be looking to build on their recent success.
The squad brings a mix of experience and youth to Paris. Veteran players like Abderazzak Hattab, with a decade of international experience, and Hicham Lalas provide a solid foundation. Meanwhile, younger talents such as 21-year-old Mohamed El Hamouchi, Ayoub Hamdini, and Said El Meselek have shown significant progress.
At the forefront of Morocco's ambitions is Zouhair Snisla, widely regarded as one of the world's best blind footballers. Snisla, who lost his sight in a childhood accident at age 10, made his Paralympic debut in Rio 2016 at just 17. He rose to prominence in Tokyo, scoring all four goals in Morocco's 4-0 victory over China to secure the bronze medal.
Head coach Driss El Mountaqi emphasizes the team's collective strength and courage as their main qualities. According to The National newspaper, El Mountaqi stated, «We've kept some of the veterans but introduced younger players, new faces, so there's a sense of renewing the team».
The team faces challenges, including limited resources and the sport's underdevelopment in the region. Despite this, Morocco has dominated continental competitions, winning the African championship five times.
Their Paralympic campaign begins with a crucial match against Argentina, the reigning world champions. The Moroccan side will then face Japan and Colombia in Group B, with the top two teams advancing to the semifinals.
The blind football tournament will take place at the Eiffel Tower stadium, where a large Moroccan community in France is expected to provide vocal support. The unique nature of the sport requires quiet during play, allowing players to hear the rattling ball and on-field communication.
As they prepare for Paris, Snisla and his teammates are aiming high. «We can beat the likes of Brazil», Snisla stated, referring to the perennial gold medalists. Coach El Mountaqi echoes this ambition: «We really hope for a medal. We've set a bar for ourselves».
