Veteran French coach Claude Le Roy believes Morocco’s attack remains a work in progress, insisting the Atlas Lions need a “pure striker” to match Africa’s elite forward lines.
Speaking in a recent interview with Egyptian sports channel On Sport, Le Roy reflected on Morocco’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal in the 2025 AFCON final.
With decades of coaching experience across the continent, he says Morocco’s frontline still lacks a world-class finisher capable of consistently challenging Africa’s best strikers.
“I think they need to secure completely the position of a number 9,” Le Roy said.
While Ayoub El Kaabi has impressed with spectacular goals and acrobatic finishes, Le Roy feels Morocco requires greater clinical precision and technical skill upfront.
“El Kaabi scored some beautiful and spectacular goals,” he acknowledged, “but the team needs more skill and effectiveness in the front line.”
El Kaabi played a key role throughout Morocco’s AFCON campaign, delivering crucial moments that helped the hosts navigate both the group stage and knockout rounds.
Yet Le Roy’s observations echo a long-standing debate among fans and analysts: the importance of a dependable ‘number 9’—a striker who can hold up play, capitalize on half-chances, and consistently finish in front of goal.
The comments come amid lingering tensions from the final, which was overshadowed by Senegal’s walk-off and the subsequent wave of suspensions.
The Moroccan Football Federation is challenging what it calls “disproportionate” fines linked to late-game VAR controversies.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Morocco and coach Walid Regragui now face the challenge of strengthening their attack and finding the clinical striker who can elevate the team to the next level.
