Morocco head coach Walid Regragui is set to experience a unique paradox when he leads the Atlas Lions into the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal next Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The clash, scheduled for Sunday, January 18, will mark Regragui’s second appearance in an AFCON final at the ultimate stage of the competition, this time from the technical area as head coach of the host nation.
His first taste of an Africa Cup of Nations final came more than two decades ago, not as a coach but as a player. Regragui was part of the Morocco squad that reached the final of the 2004 edition in Tunisia, where the Atlas Lions were aiming to secure continental glory.
On that occasion, however, Morocco fell short as Badou Zaki’s side suffered defeat against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, who went on to lift the trophy on home soil. Now, years later, Regragui returns to the AFCON final with a chance to rewrite history, this time leading his country from the sidelines.
