The Moroccan national football team and its coach, Walid Regragui, are pinning high hopes on hosting the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The ambition is clear: to finally secure a long-awaited title and overcome a history of near misses, particularly the painful defeats of 1988 and 2004. This كأس أفريقيا (AFCON) represents more than just a tournament for Morocco; it’s a chance for redemption and national glory.
The Weight of History and Regragui’s Challenge
Regragui enters this tournament potentially facing his last challenge as head coach of the national team, with significant pressure mounting after the disappointing performance in the recent Ivory Coast edition. The early exit in the round of 16, despite being considered strong contenders, left a bitter taste for Moroccan fans. Morocco hasn’t lifted the AFCON trophy since 1976, a drought that weighs heavily on the nation’s footballing psyche.
The Moroccan public remembers vividly the heartbreak of past failures. The 1988 final, hosted on home soil, saw a crucial error by goalkeeper Bado Zaki cost them the title against Cameroon. More recently, the quarter-final loss to Egypt in 2021 and the round of 16 defeat to South Africa in the last edition added to the frustration. Regragui is tasked with not only winning but also erasing these painful memories.
Building on the Qatar Momentum: The Squad
To achieve this ambitious goal, Regragui is relying heavily on the core group that made history at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals. Key players like goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Romain Saiss, Nayef Aguerd, Sofyan Amrabat, and Azzedine Ounahi form the backbone of the team.
However, Regragui isn’t solely relying on familiar faces. New additions like Ibrahim Diaz, Nael El Aynaoui, and Anas Salah Eddine, alongside promising young talents such as Bilal El Khannous, Ismail Saibari, and Elias Ben Seghir, are expected to inject fresh energy and dynamism into the squad. This blend of experience and youth is crucial for a sustained campaign throughout the بطولة أفريقيا (African Championship).
Morocco Wants the Title: A Clear Objective
Regragui has made the team’s objective unequivocally clear: winning the title. Following the tournament draw, which placed Morocco in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros, he stated, “We have a clear mission, which is to win the title after a long absence, and we will do everything in our power to keep the cup in Morocco.” He acknowledges the increasing competitiveness of African football, emphasizing that every team boasts talented players.
However, he also highlights the advantages of playing on home soil, with the passionate support of the Moroccan fans. He’s called on the fans to rally behind the team, urging them to provide unwavering support until the very end. The coach understands the challenge, recognizing the strength of traditional powerhouses like Ivory Coast, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Algeria, and Cameroon. But he believes Morocco’s quality and infrastructure position them strongly.
Home Advantage: A Blessing, Not a Guarantee
While hosting the tournament is undoubtedly an advantage, Regragui cautions against complacency. He points to past examples where home teams have failed to capitalize on the support of their fans. “Hosting the finals on our soil does not guarantee victory,” he stated. “We trust ourselves and strive to achieve our legitimate ambition.”
He recognizes that opponents will be highly motivated to defeat Morocco on its own turf and emphasizes the importance of being in peak condition from the very first match, particularly the opening game against Comoros. The team is aware that every opponent will present a unique challenge. Mali possesses significant potential, Zambia is a familiar foe from World Cup qualifying, and Comoros has proven to be a resilient underdog. This المنتخب المغربي (Moroccan national team) is preparing for a tough road ahead.
Comoros, Zambia, and the Road Ahead
Comoros, participating in the AFCON for only the second time, will be looking to build on their surprise performance in 2021. Zambia, the 2012 champions and runners-up in 1974 and 1994, are undergoing a transition under new coach Moses Sichone.
Regragui’s team knows that navigating the group stage will be crucial. Success in the group will build momentum and confidence for the knockout rounds. The pressure to deliver is immense, but the Moroccan squad, fueled by the hopes of a nation, is determined to finally lift the AFCON trophy and write a new chapter in Moroccan football history. The journey to glory begins now, and the eyes of the continent are on the أسود الأطلس (Atlas Lions).
