A national hero since the historic run to the 2022 World Cup, Walid Regragui is no longer carried by euphoria, but by a sense of responsibility. As he prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match against Tanzania, the Moroccan coach faces a stark reality: Morocco must win. And convince.

Hosted on home soil, this Africa Cup of Nations rekindles an old dream and a deep frustration. The Atlas Lions' last continental triumph dates back to 1976. Nearly half a century of waiting transforms every knockout match into a moment of truth, and every potential misstep into a personal affront. For Regragui, the pressure is no longer subtle; it's blatant.

 

In his press conference, the Moroccan coach made no attempt to hide anything. Behind his measured words lay a clear obligation to achieve results. "We've reached the round of 16, it's a new competition. If we want to continue, we have to win," he stated bluntly, aware that there was no room for error.

If Regragui refuses to openly embrace the role of favorite, it's less out of strategy than out of clear-sightedness. On the African continent, status doesn't protect. It exposes. And the coach knows this better than anyone, having seen his predecessors fall to supposedly weaker opponents.

The shadow of past failures still looms.

Despite recent successes in Moroccan football – titles in the CHAN, U17 AFCON, Arab Cup of Nations, and promising performances at the youth level – the senior national team remains under pressure. Regragui carries this mixed legacy, marked by isolated triumphs and repeated disappointments.

“Everyone considers us favorites, but my job is to remind people why Morocco hasn’t won the AFCON in almost 50 years,” he insisted, emphasizing a key word that has become central to his speech: humility. This message sounds like an indirect admission of past mistakes, but also an attempt to defuse the pressure surrounding his team.

In the locker room, the message was echoed by the senior players. Captain Romain Saïss didn't shy away from the subject, reminding everyone that Morocco had often self-destructed against teams considered inferior. "We've suffered setbacks due to a lack of humility. Today, regardless of the opponent, it's the mindset that counts," he emphasized.

Facing a free-spirited and attacking Tanzania, Morocco will have to live up to expectations without getting tense. It's a delicate balancing act, where mental composure will be just as important as technical superiority.

 

Regragui, between ambition and obligation

 

Walid Regragui knows it: this AFCON is more than just a tournament. It's a test of credibility. A premature elimination, especially on home soil, would erase some of the confidence built up since Doha. Conversely, a convincing victory could finally reconcile ambition, talent, and history.

“There are no easy teams. It’s a cup match, and surprises happen,” he concluded. A warning that applies as much to his players as to himself. Because against Tanzania, it’s not just Morocco playing for qualification, it’s also Regragui playing for a part of his legacy.