Full house for TT/Morocco match

MARRAKECH: A full house is expected for today’s friendly football international between TT and Morocco at  the 15,000 capacity Stade Harti from 7.30 pm (3.30pm TT time) as both teams prepare for  upcoming 2006 World Cup qualifying campaigns. TT, under coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier will be given a strong test by the hosts who will be fielding a squad comprising of several European-based players including Coventry City midfielder Youssef Safri, Spartak Moscow goalkeeper Abdelilah Bagui and defender Noureddine Naybet who plays for Spanish giants Deportivo La Coruna. Morocco manager Badou Zaki has also called up German-born Youssef Mokhtari, who is a club teammate of German-based winger Evans Wise, and Mustapha Oussalah for the match which he is using for next year’s African Nations Cup in Tunisia.
  
Oussalah, a midfielder with Belgian side Standard Liege, is one of a growing number of European-based Moroccan players sought by Zaki. Mokhtari, also a midfielder, plays for Wacker Burghausen in the German Second Division. Zaki has made it clear that his team, which goes by the name “Atlas Lions” will be taking today’s fixture seriously. “This is an important friendly for us because our opponents are going to be a good test for us as we prepare for the Nations Cup. I look forward to a good contest,”  said Zaki. Also returning to the team is Academica goalkeeper Khalid Fouhami, who has been absent from their national team for the past 18 months. Charles-Fevrier is relishing the challenge from the strong “Atlas Lions.” “I have a very positive feeling because after Mr Jack Warner spoke to the team followed by our tactical meeting, I feel confident that the players will respond and will play to their potential. I always believe that the important thing is for the players to play to their full potential. If we can get this, then we have a really good chance of getting a good result,” Charles-Fevrier said. “I believe that this  is the level of football we need to be playing. I am always pleased about this kind of competition because it can only bring the best out of us and really show us what level  we are at in world football.
It’s a challenge we are all looking forward to,’ Charles- Fevrier said on the eve of the match.

Fevrier conducted a light session at the match venue yesterday evening following earlier hours which the team spent relaxing. A short tour of Marrakech was also part of the morning schedule during which several of the locals took pleasure in meeting the players and showing their anticipation for the match. The fans here are keen on football as they prepare their bid for the hosting of the 2010 World Cup. FIFA Vice President and TTFF special advisor Warner also paid a visit to the Le Meridien Hotel, extending best wishes to skipper Reynold Carrington and his teammates ahead of the match. Starting up front today for TT will be English-based duo, Stern John of Birmingham City and new recruit, Watford man Jason Norville who celebrated his 20th birthday yesterday. Charles-Fevrier will be using five in the middle and three at the back with Kelvin Jack in goal.
Respected Livingston defender Marvin Andrews will be playing for the first time under Charles-Fevrier and has already indicated his eagerness to get on the ball. Carrington too echoed similar sentiments. The match will be broadcasted live on Vibe CT 105 FM.

TT starting line up: Kelvin Jack (Jabloteh), Dennis Lawrence (Wrexham), Reynold Carrington (Vibe CT 105 W Connection), Marvin Andrews (Livingston) ,Carlos Edwards (Wrexham), Evans Wise (SV Wacker Burghausen) , Aurtis Whitley (Jabloteh), Dale Saunders (Starworld Strikers), Stokely Mason (W Connection), Stern John (Birmingham City)  and Jason Norville (Watford).
Morocco squad :
Goalkeepers: Abdelilah Bagui (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Khalid Fouhami (Academica Coimbra, Portugal), Nadir Lamyaghri (Wydad Casablanca)
Defenders: Tarek Chihab (FC Zurich, Switzerland), Talal El Karkouri (Paris St Germain, France), Noureddine Naybet (Deportivo Coruna, Spain), Abdesslam Ouaddou (Rennes, France), Akram Romani (Racing Genk, Belgium)
Midfielders: Youssef Hadji (Bastia, France), Abdelkrim Kissi (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Houcine Kharja (Ternana, Italy), Youssef Mokhtari (Wacker Burhausen, Germany), Mustapha Oussalah (Standard Liege, Belgium), Oualid Regragui (Ajaccio, France), Youssef Safri (Coventry City, England), Mohamed Yaacoubi (Osasuna, Spain)
Strikers: Nabil Baha (Naval de Maio, Portugal), Merouane Chemmakh (Bordeaux, France), Mourad Hdioued (Litex Lovich, Bulgaria), Jaoud Zairi (Sochaux, France).