Walid Regragui became the first Moroccan to qualify for an African Cup of Nations final as a player and coach. On Wednesday, the Atlas Lions defeated Nigeria on penalties (0-0, 4-2 on the tabs) in the semi-finals of the CAN 2025.
While the Morocco coach had received numerous criticisms pointing to the lack of confidence of his team and the quality of its play, Yassine Bounou and his partners dominated one of the most impressive formations since the start of the tournament to join Senegal in the final.
“We are happy because we know that this public deserves to see an African Cup final again and to have a great team. I wasn’t just heckled, it wasn’t a proper campaign but that doesn’t matter, we accepted it, the group protected me, they love their coach. As I told them, it’s on the pitch that they have to give it back to me,” said Regragui at the microphone of Bein Sports.
“The golden age of Moroccan football”
During regulation time and extra time, the Atlas Lions played with more offensive intentions than the Nigerians before resisting pressure during the penalty shootout. “Criticism is part of football, we accept it. We know that the slightest defeat or the slightest draw in Morocco is catastrophic, repeated the coach. We stayed focused and we are happy at the end for the public, because we know that 90% of the people are behind this team. »
The technician recalled that he benefited from a unique tank for Morocco. “I am very happy for the Moroccan public and the alumni. They are the ones who made this team evolve by choosing Morocco, by coming very early. Today, we are celebrating the golden age of Moroccan football, but we must not forget where we come from. »
