Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has firmly denied allegations that officiating decisions are favoring the host nation at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. During a press conference on Monday, Regragui addressed growing scrutiny following his team’s quarter-final victory over Cameroon, asserting that the Atlas Lions have earned their success purely through superior performance on the pitch.
The coach maintained that as the primary title contenders, Morocco has become an easy target for critics seeking to undermine their current momentum.
The Atlas Lions enter the upcoming semi-final against the Super Eagles of Nigeria boasting an impressive unbeaten streak that spans over 25 matches. This run of consistency stretches back nearly two years to their last-16 exit against South Africa in the previous edition of the tournament. Regragui positioned his squad as the definitive team to beat, emphasizing that their results stem from tactical discipline rather than external assistance.
He noted that the team creates more scoring opportunities and maintains higher possession than their opponents, which naturally translates into favorable outcomes.
“As the team to beat, people will try to find all sorts of reasons to say Morocco has an advantage,” Regragui told reporters on Monday. “The only advantage that Morocco has, is playing in front of 65,000 spectators. The rest is on the field, we speak on the field.”
The manager emphasized that the intimidating atmosphere at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium remains the only distinct edge his players possess over their rivals. He dismissed the notion of systemic bias, reminding journalists that Morocco has historically suffered from unfavorable refereeing decisions in past tournaments. By focusing on the tangible support of the home crowd, Regragui shifted the narrative toward the emotional connection between the players and the 65,000 fans expected to attend Wednesday’s blockbuster clash in Rabat.
As Nigeria prepares to challenge the hosts for a spot in the final, the tactical battle between Regragui and Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has taken center stage. Morocco aims to secure its first continental trophy since 1976, while Nigeria hunts for its fourth title. Despite the external noise regarding officiating, the Moroccan camp remains focused on extending their defensive record, having conceded only one goal throughout the entire competition. Regragui’s defiant stance serves to galvanize his players as they face their toughest test of the tournament so far.
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