Morocco coach Walid Regragui has urged supporters to turn the Stade Moulay Abdellah into a fortress by raising the noise level to “100 decibels” as the Atlas Lions prepare to face Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Regragui said playing the final on home soil was a source of pride and added that his team had been building towards this moment since their exit in the Ivory Coast two years ago.
“Any coach would be happy to play an AFCON final at home,” he said. “We only have one match left against one of the strongest teams. We have had this goal for two years, and we hope to be up to the task.”
Regragui stressed that emotional control will be decisive for Morocco, especially under the pressure of playing in front of their own fans. He pointed to earlier games in the tournament where the team struggled initially but recovered once they settled.
“Against Tanzania, the first 25 minutes were not good, then we corrected our course. Against Nigeria, the players knew they had to relax and remember this is football — we must play and enjoy it.”
He described Senegal as a highly experienced side, noting that top teams often find a way to reach the final stages. “The chances are equal, but we have 51% of them because of the fans,” he said.
Regragui also addressed the physical demands of the tournament, insisting that his players are ready despite having played extra time in recent fixtures. “When you want to win the tournament, you have to make every effort. We have a good group and I don’t think any of them will feel a decline in fitness.”
The coach framed the final as a stepping stone rather than a climax, saying Morocco must aim for sustained success beyond a single title.
“Our goal is the goal of the entire country,” he said. “We hope this final will be just the beginning, not the last for Morocco. Whether we win or not, we must start again from tomorrow to prepare for the next challenge.”
Regragui was clear that his focus is on performance rather than outcome. “It’s not about winning or losing. I’m focused on giving our best and making our country proud.”
He also appealed directly to fans, saying their support could disrupt Senegal’s rhythm. “I hope the noise will reach 100 decibels because we need the fans, and I hope it will affect the Senegalese players.”
Regragui emphasized that the winner is not decided by individual talent, but by collective cohesion. “Senegal runs a lot in spaces with or without the ball,” he noted, adding that his team must match their intensity and teamwork.
He also reflected on his past experience in finals, recalling his 2004 defeat and urging his players not to repeat the same mistakes. “This is not my first final,” he said. “I lost the 2004 final, and I told the players not to make the same mistakes.”
Despite the competitive stakes, Regragui said his relationship with Senegal remains strong. “We want to win and they want to win, but whatever happens will not affect our relationship.”
On the topic of officiating, he acknowledged that referee decisions are often debated in African and European football. “There will always be mistakes,” he said. “One day they go in our favor, one day against us. Long live African refereeing, African players, and African football.”
Regragui also praised Brahim Diaz, highlighting his contribution to the team and expressing confidence that the midfielder’s performances would boost his confidence ahead of a return to Real Madrid.
“Diaz has a great mentality,” he said. “He comes to win and make a difference. He has scored in five matches and contributes greatly to our play. This experience will stay with him for the rest of his life, especially if we win the title.”
Morocco reached the final after beating Nigeria on penalties, while Senegal secured their spot with a 1-0 win over Egypt.
