Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has declared his firm belief that the Atlas Lions possess the quality and drive to secure the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy on home soil. Speaking during a high-stakes press conference in Rabat, the tactician maintained an optimistic outlook regarding his team’s prospects as they prepare for a monumental quarter-final showdown against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon this Friday.
Regragui’s comments come at a time when he faces significant scrutiny from local supporters over his tactical approach, yet he remains undeterred in his mission to bring continental glory back to the kingdom for the first time in nearly five decades.
The Moroccan manager openly acknowledged the formidable nature of their upcoming opponents, noting that the five-time African champions present a significant hurdle to their championship aspirations. Despite the pressure of hosting the tournament, Regragui emphasized that his squad enters the knockout phase with a balanced perspective, respecting the history and pedigree of the Cameroonian side while maintaining faith in their own technical ability.
“We have the humility to believe that we can win this Cup of Nations,” Regragui told reporters during the pre-match briefing. “Cameroon needs no introduction. We know it’s going to be tough again.”
Should the Atlas Lions successfully navigate their encounter with Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the tournament bracket indicates a potential semi-final meeting with either Nigeria or Algeria. This path to the final ensures that Morocco must overcome some of the continent’s most decorated footballing nations to reach the January 18 showpiece event. Regragui has urged the fans to remain united and provide the vocal support that served as a catalyst for their historic 2022 World Cup run, arguing that collective belief will be the decisive factor in the matches ahead.
The current tournament has seen Morocco top Group A with seven points before narrowly defeating Tanzania 1-0 in the Round of 16 to set up this quarter-final fixture. As the host nation, the Atlas Lions carry the burden of being heavy favorites, a status that Regragui insists his players must embrace rather than fear. With key players like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz in peak form, the technical crew believes that their disciplined defensive structure and clinical attacking transitions will ultimately prove too much for any opposition they face in the final rounds.
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