Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, is confident the Atlas Lions can lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in front of their home crowd. Despite the weight of expectations, he insists the team is ready for the challenge.
Drawn into Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros, Morocco faces a tough path to glory. However, Regragui remains undeterred. Speaking to Cafonline after the draw, he emphasized his determination to lead the team to victory.
“Of course, there is additional pressure, but we’re not going to hide from it,” Regragui stated. “This pressure isn’t just on me as the coach—it’s on the players too. It’s a big responsibility, but one we accept with pride.”
He acknowledged the nation’s long wait for another AFCON title, with their last triumph dating back to 1976. “Supporters have been dreaming of keeping this trophy in Morocco for decades,” he said.
For Regragui, the bond between the team and fans will be key to their success. “The sacred union between the team and the supporters will be crucial.
This pressure must be turned into positive energy. Even if it becomes negative, we’ll handle it. We are highly motivated and have all the conditions to perform well in this tournament.”
With home advantage and a determined squad, Morocco will aim to end their nearly 50-year AFCON drought in 2025.