Sport
A Spectacular Win and Valuable Lessons for the Atlas Lions
Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, emphasized that patience and perseverance have driven his team’s success, following their emphatic 8-0 victory against Lesotho on Monday in the final round of qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be hosted by Morocco.
In his post-match press conference, Regragui congratulated the players:
“Securing six wins and scoring 26 goals wasn’t an easy feat.”
Reflecting on their journey since the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, he added:
“We embraced criticism, kept working hard, and I’m proud of the players.”
The coach praised the team’s mentality:
“They respected the game and the opponent. It was a memorable night for the fans.”
Key Highlights
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Set-piece proficiency: Regragui acknowledged the impact of hiring a specialist for set-pieces, a weapon they plan to utilize further.
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Mental fortitude: He voiced concerns over the players’ ability to manage high-pressure moments.
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Impressive substitutes: Their performances keep competition alive within the squad.
On Ibrahim Diaz, who scored a hat-trick, Regragui called him a « leader », praising his ability to make a difference in the final third of the pitch.
Looking ahead, Regragui stressed the need to remain united and confident to claim the AFCON title, while aiming for an early qualification in the World Cup campaign.
Final Group Standings
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Morocco: 18 points
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Gabon: 10 points
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Lesotho: 4 points
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Central African Republic: 3 points
