Walid Regragui endured a deeply challenging period in the aftermath of Morocco’s painful defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final, with reports suggesting the Atlas Lions coach seriously contemplated stepping down.
Morocco came agonisingly close to ending their long wait for continental glory after reaching the AFCON final on home soil, backed by passionate home support. However, their dream collapsed in the final hurdle as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal.
The loss extended Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations drought, with the national team still chasing a first title since their historic triumph in the 1976 edition.
According to Moroccan newspaper Al-Akhbar, citing a source close to Regragui, the national team coach was on the verge of resigning in the wake of the final. The report stated that Regragui was heavily affected by the intense criticism directed at him during and after the tournament.
“Regragui was seriously considering resigning, after being held responsible for the loss of the African title,” the source was quoted as saying.
Despite the emotional fallout, reports indicate that the Moroccan Football Federation is prepared to maintain its trust in Regragui.
The federation is said to be planning to keep him in charge of the national team until the expiration of his contract, which runs through to the end of the 2026 World Cup.
