On the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) quarter-final, Morocco coach Walid Regragui warned of a tough clash between the Atlas Lions and five-time winners Cameroon.
The match scheduled at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday, is shaping up to be a real test between two heavyweights of African football.
In his pre-match press conference, the Moroccan coach emphasised the historical and symbolic dimension of the fixture. “It’s a continental clash. In the AFCON or the World Cup, Cameroon has always been a great nation that has carried Africa. We hope to present a good image of African football,” said Regragui, adding that Cameroon remains a continental benchmark, capable of raising the level of major African competitions.
He underlined the importance of the battle in midfield, where physical impact and technical precision will be decisive. He highlighted the quality of his midfielders, notably Bilal El Khannous, Ismaël Saibari, and Neil El Aynaoui, who are called upon to set the tempo against a Cameroonian team renowned for its intensity.
Addressing the pressure accompanying the Atlas Lions, the national coach assured fans that his squad is ready to handle it, bolstered by the support of the home crowd. “The players feel it. We are obliged to take responsibility. The most important thing is that the public continues to support us. We have the humility to believe that we can win this AFCON,” he stated.
The ambition is to continue the journey and believe until the very end in a continental title. Morocco has won the Africa Cup only once, in 1976.
Having qualified after their 1-0 victory against Tanzania in the round of 16, Morocco will face Cameroon who knocked out South Africa (2-1).
Friday’s other quarterfinal match pits Senegal against Mali at the Grand Stade Tanger at 5pm.
On Saturday, January 10, Algeria will face Nigeria in Marrakech, while the Ivorians will play the Pharaohs of Egypt in Agadir.
The semi-finals will take place on January 14, before the final, scheduled for January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
AK/sf/lb/as/APA