Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has embraced the pressure of leading the Atlas Lions at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, which they will host.
Drawn in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros, Regragui acknowledged the unique pressures of playing in front of a home crowd but believes it serves as motivation.
“Of course, there is additional pressure, but we’re not going to hide from it,” he stated. “This pressure is not just on me as the coach but also on the players. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s one we accept with pride.”
As one of Africa’s top footballing nations, Morocco aims for their first AFCON title since 1976. “There are supporters who have dreamed of this trophy staying in Morocco since 1976,” Regragui noted. “The sacred union between the team and the fans will be crucial.”
He emphasised that while pressure exists, it must be channelled positively. “We are highly motivated and have all the conditions to have a great tournament,” he added.
The draw presented a mix of challenges. Mali, Zambia, and Comoros will all pose unique threats. “We respect all the teams in our group. Everyone dreams of winning, but with the talent and motivation in this squad, we are confident of making our supporters proud,” Regragui stated.
The draw also revealed other intriguing matchups. Côte d’Ivoire faces a tough Group F with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. Egypt and South Africa renew their rivalry in Group B.
Senegal, the defending champions, will navigate Group D with the DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Algeria will aim to bounce back in Group E with Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
The tournament, scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will take place across six Moroccan cities.
