The Confederation of African Football’s decision to name Walid Regragui as the Best Coach of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has underlined the impact of Morocco’s impressive campaign, even though the Atlas Lions fell short in the final.
The award reflects CAF’s assessment that Morocco’s tactical organisation, consistency and overall performances stood out across the tournament.
Despite Senegal claiming the title with a narrow 1-0 victory in the final, Regragui’s work on the Moroccan bench drew widespread recognition, reinforcing his status as one of the continent’s most respected coaches.
Tactical identity and tournament journey
Morocco’s path to the AFCON 2025 final was built on structure, discipline and adaptability. Regragui guided the Atlas Lions through seven matches, securing victories against Comoros, Zambia, Tanzania and Cameroon.
The team also demonstrated resilience in tightly contested encounters, drawing with Mali and Nigeria before progressing via penalties in the latter tie.
Although Senegal proved decisive in the final, Morocco’s run was marked by balance across the pitch and a clear tactical identity, qualities CAF highlighted when announcing Regragui’s award.
The Moroccan side combined defensive solidity with controlled attacking play, allowing them to remain competitive against a wide range of opponents.
Recognition despite final defeat
CAF confirmed Regragui’s selection as Best Coach in a statement released on its official platforms, describing the honour as recognition of Morocco’s strong performances and the coach’s tactical intelligence throughout the competition.
The decision reinforced the idea that success at AFCON is not judged solely by lifting the trophy, but also by the quality and consistency of a team’s displays.
For Regragui, the accolade adds another personal milestone to a coaching career that has already included historic achievements on the global stage.
Future questions for Morocco
Despite finishing runners-up, Morocco’s AFCON campaign has raised questions about what lies ahead. Uncertainty remains over whether Regragui will continue in his role as head coach, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching.
The Moroccan Football Federation has yet to clarify whether he will retain the position through the next major international cycle.
Appointed in August 2022, Regragui has overseen 49 matches, winning 36, drawing eight and losing five, according to Transfermarkt data.
His tenure has already delivered Morocco’s best-ever World Cup finish, fourth place at Qatar 2022, and AFCON 2025 has further strengthened his reputation as a coach capable of competing at the highest level.
