In a press conference ahead of the opening match against Comoros, **Walid Regragui** affirmed the Moroccan national team’s strong resolve and clear desire to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He highlighted the home advantage, with the tournament being hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Regragui emphasized that the primary goal is to win the African Cup and present an honorable image reflecting Moroccan football’s continental and international standing.
Hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco: A Dream Come True
Walid Regragui underscored that Morocco hosting the Africa Cup of Nations represents a historic moment long-awaited by fans. He stressed that this event places significant responsibility on both the players and the technical staff.
The coach of the “Atlas Lions” clarified that all matches hold equal importance. However, he noted that the opening match remains exceptional due to organizational and media pressure, in addition to the team’s desire for a perfect start to build confidence within the squad.
Dealing with Injuries Without Excuses
Addressing the health status of some key players, Regragui affirmed that the technical staff handled the prominent player injuries with a professional mindset, without seeking pre-emptive justifications or excuses.
He added that the national squad includes players ready to assume responsibility, noting that each member of the team understands the magnitude of the challenge, especially in a tournament played on home soil and in front of Moroccan fans.
A Winning Mentality Instead of Mere Participation
The national coach discussed the sports project initiated since he took charge of the team in 2022. He explained that the goal was to change the prevailing mentality, moving from mere honorable participation to competing for titles.
He pointed out that self-confidence in the players’ abilities was the key to achieving positive results in recent years, emphasizing that the Moroccan national team now possesses a clear competitive character within the African continent.
The Moroccan Team Among Favorites…But Caution is Key
Regarding the Moroccan team’s classification among the top contenders for the title, Regragui explained that this reflects the “Atlas Lions’” improved performance. However, he stressed that African football does not acknowledge pre-calculations.
He affirmed that all participating teams have their own ambitions, and surprises are always possible in a strong tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations, which requires the Moroccan team to focus on every match.
A Blend of Experience and Youth: The Secret to Balance
Regragui highlighted the team’s composition, which combines highly experienced players with young talent, as part of a technical vision aimed at winning the title and ensuring continuity.
He added that this balance provides greater coherence within the squad and helps deal with various scenarios that may arise during the continental competition.
Preparation for the Comoros Match
The national coach concluded his statements by confirming that preparations for the Comoros match are progressing well. He noted that the final decision regarding the participation of some players would be made after the final medical assessment.
The Moroccan national team will hold its last training session before facing Comoros on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, as part of the first round of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
