AFCON 2025: Morocco coach Regragui welcomes pressure as his team aims for glory at home

1d ago | Source: Graphic Online

Walid Regragui - Morocco Coach

Head Coach of Morocco’s senior men's football team, Walid Regragui has embraced the weight of expectation as the nation prepares to host the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Following the draw in Rabat on Monday, Morocco was placed in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.

Speaking to the press after the draw, Regragui acknowledged the unique pressures of leading a team in front of a home crowd but viewed it as a source of motivation. “The pressure is there, but we will use it to fuel our determination,” he said.

“Of course, there is additional pressure, but we’re not going to hide from it. 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,” he said.

Morocco, semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and one of Africa’s premier footballing nations, will be looking to claim their first AFCON title since 1976.

With recent successes on the global stage and the passionate backing of their home crowd, the team enters the tournament as one of the favorites.

"There are supporters who have dreamed of this trophy staying in Morocco since 1976," Regragui shared, highlighting the long-standing hope and ambition surrounding the team.

“The sacred union between the team and the fans will be crucial. This pressure must be positive, and even if it becomes negative, we’ll handle it. We are highly motivated and have all the conditions to have a great tournament,” he stated.

Morocco’s group-stage opponents present a mix of challenges. Mali, perennial contenders with a history of strong tournament performances, will test the Atlas Lions’ mettle.

Zambia, the 2012 champions, are known for their fighting spirit, while Comoros, a rising force in African football, could spring surprises.

While acknowledging the competition, Regragui remains optimistic. “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,” he added.

The draw for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations has set the stage for some thrilling encounters. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire face a challenging Group F, where they will go up against five-time winners Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.

In Group B, Egypt will meet South Africa, reigniting a rivalry that dates back to the 1996 tournament.

Senegal, the 2021 champions, will face a tough challenge in Group D, where they will compete alongside DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana.

Algeria, looking to bounce back after two disappointing tournaments, headlines Group E with Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.

The tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will be hosted across six Moroccan cities. This marks Morocco's first time hosting the AFCON since 1988, giving the nation an opportunity to showcase its world-class facilities and rich football heritage.

As the Atlas Lions prepare to kick off the tournament against Comoros in Rabat on December 21, 2025, expectations are high, but so is the belief in their potential.