Morocco head coach Walid Regragui reflected on his team’s 1-1 draw with Mali in Friday’s second-round match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking to the press after the game, Regragui praised his team for maintaining a high tempo and delivering a solid performance against a resilient Mali side.
He highlighted Morocco’s fast-paced play throughout the match, emphasizing the squad’s technical and tactical quality.
The coach noted that the Atlas Lions created multiple clear scoring opportunities and could have secured the win on several occasions.
Mali, however, managed to level the score through a penalty, leaving Morocco with a shared point. Regragui stressed that converting more chances remains a priority for the team.
“To win the Africa Cup, we must understand that every match is different,” Regragui said. “You can finish first in the group and be eliminated in the round of 16, or finish third and reach the final, like Cote d’Ivoire in the last edition.”
He acknowledged some passing errors during the game and explained his tactical choice to field Ismail Saibari on the left, citing the player’s chemistry with Anass Salah-Eddine.
Regragui also noted the team’s high level of caution and visible signs of fatigue among certain players, while praising Mali’s potential to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Despite the draw, Morocco remains at the top of Group A with four points. Zambia and Mali trail with two points each, while Comoros sits last with one point.
Morocco will meet Zambia in the final group match on Monday in a crucial game that will determine which teams advance to the knockout stage.
