Despite the premature elimination of the Moroccan team in the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations last week, following a defeat against South Africa (2-0), Walid Regragui retains his position as coach, confirmed by the Moroccan Federation (FRMF). The objective now is to prepare for “full success” with a view to the next CAN in 2025, which will be held on Moroccan soil.
Walid Regragui, who led the Moroccan team to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, an exceptional achievement for an African nation, had previously raised the possibility of leaving his post if his team failed to reach the final stages of the competition.
During CAN 2024, Regragui was temporarily suspended by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following an incident with Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba at the end of a match. However, this suspension was canceled following an appeal from the Moroccan federation.
The Moroccan federation reaffirmed its confidence in the coach during review meetings of the national team’s journey, noting that despite the disappointment caused by the recent defeat, it is committed to mobilizing all necessary means to guarantee the success of the team is preparing for CAN 2025, which will be hosted by Morocco, as well as for the 2030 World Cup, of which the country will be co-organizer.
Walid Regragui took responsibility for the defeat, declaring: “I failed, it was my failure, not that of the players.”
Recall that South Africa’s Bafana Bafana eliminated the favorite Morocco in the round of 16.
