The Moroccan national football team bid farewell to the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Côte d’Ivoire after a disheartening defeat against South Africa, with a scoreline of 2-0, in the Round of 16 on Tuesday evening.
The defeat shattered Moroccan dreams of clinching the coveted title, a feat not achieved since 1976, extending the “Atlas Lions'” struggle in the African Cup.
Even the most pessimistic observers did not anticipate the national team’s journey concluding at the Round of 16, ending before setting foot on the grounds of the Elephants, while Moroccan hopes were particularly high following the historic achievement in the Qatar World Cup.
The memory of that accomplishment still lingers, juxtaposed with the shock of the encounter with the “Bafana Bafana.”
Three primary factors played a direct role in this unexpected exit for the Moroccan national team from the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, continuing the pattern of disappointment in African competitions on the continent that we belong to and that belongs to us.
Unfortunately, we have struggled to navigate its footballing challenges and climate.
1. The Rokki’s Choices, Only Understood by Benmahmoud:
The coaching staff, led by Walid Regragui, made perplexing choices, opting to field right-back Nacer Mazroui on the left flank instead of the more prepared Yehia Attia.
This decision defied football norms and scientific principles, considering that the Bayern Munich player lacked the necessary readiness after a prolonged absence from competition.
Mazroui failed to make a significant impact both defensively and offensively in one of his poorest performances with the national team.
Regragui took too long to rectify the mistake, waiting until the 75th minute to bring in Yehia Attia.
2. Lack of Diversity and Reliance on a Transparent Style:
There is unanimous agreement that the national coach heavily relied on the right side for attacking throughout all the matches in AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, seemingly oblivious to other tactical options.
This lack of diversity exposed Regragui’s strategies to the astute analysis of South African coach Hugo Broos, who, in the post-match press conference, affirmed his success in thoroughly studying the opponent.
Regragui remained faithful to his attacking approach even in the absence of Hakim Ziyech.
He made all his substitutions in a systematic manner, only realizing the need to change the playing system after Yassine Bounou’s net was breached.
At that point, South Africa took the lead, and Broos outsmarted Regragui.
3. Players’ Subpar Performance:
When a coach falters in his human and technical choices, the players’ gallant and fighting performance on the field can sometimes save the day.
Unfortunately, Walid Regragui missed this lifeline, as the players collectively delivered a mediocre performance.
The head coach entered the South Africa match with a flawed reading of the opponent, and the players’ lackluster display, especially by key individuals, contributed to the clear defeat.
Several national team players demonstrated a surprising lack of form, notably Roman Saiss and Nacer Mazroui in defense, while midfielders Sofiane Amrabat and Selim Amallah failed to leave a significant mark.
Azzedine Ounahi occasionally made his presence felt upfront but lacked consistent impact.
The hoped-for solutions from highly anticipated players like Amin Adli, Abdessamad El Zouhouri, and Youssef En-Nesyri did not materialize, leaving the national team seemingly helpless against South Africa.
Even the substitutes, seemingly following a script since the start of AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, displayed a disappointing level once they stepped onto the pitch.
Their contributions offered no significant enhancements until the referee’s final whistle, concluding the football battle, and leaving Regragui with the same players he started with, as if the substitutions had changed names without altering the performance.
All these factors and more contributed to extinguishing the flame kindled by the memory of the historic World Cup achievement just over a year ago.
