What did Petkovic say before facing Equatorial Guinea?

The national team aims to win against Equatorial Guinea, according to what coach Vladimir Petkovic said during the press conference he held today.

The Desert Warriors will face their opponent from Group Five, at the end of the group stage matches for the 2025 African Cup of Nations, on Wednesday evening.

The match will be held at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.

Petkovic stressed the need to respect the opponent despite ensuring qualification to the quarter-finals.

On the contrary, Equatorial Guinea’s chances of reaching the first knockout rounds diminished after losing two matches.

Coach Juan Micha’s squad has nothing to lose anymore, as it will try to save face and put on a strong match.

The Greens’ technical director said: “We are working to continue developing and improving our performance in the Equatorial Guinea match. We will not be complacent as some people think. We will play to the best of our ability.”

In turn, left-back Rayan Ait Nouri went in the same direction as his coach, and spoke about the importance of getting the three points and achieving a full score in the first round.

Sharqi and Hijam were injured

Petkovic regrets the loss of the duo, Samir Chergui and Joan Hajam, due to injury in the match against Burkina Faso, as they will be away from the team in the next match.

The Bosnian coach decided to rest the players and subject them to medical follow-up until the quarter-final match.

Expected changes

Petkovic acknowledged his intention to make changes to the starting lineup in the match against Equatorial Guinea.

The coach said: “There will be changes. I have some players that I will evaluate. I will not keep the previous formation.”

Ait Nouri described the Guinean team as wonderful and organized, but he reassured the fans of the Greens’ ability to overcome it, as the players will do their best to achieve the goal.

In response to a question regarding his performance in the matches between Sudan and Burkina Faso, Ryan said: “I feel good. I have returned from an injury that prevented me from appearing with Manchester City for a long time. I am trying to regain confidence in myself and develop my level as the matches go on.”