Halilhodžić Ruled Out as Morocco Eyes Local Coach for National Team
Vahid Halilhodžić will not be taking charge of the Moroccan national team, at least for now, as the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) shifts focus toward appointing a homegrown manager. Despite widespread speculation linking the current Algeria head coach with the Atlas Lions, recent developments within the Moroccan football hierarchy have firmly closed the door on that possibility.
Halilhodžić’s name had gained traction in local media reports, with several sources suggesting he was a strong candidate to lead Morocco through the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. However, the appointment of Faouzi Lekjaa as the new president of the FRMF has changed the direction of the federation’s coaching search.
Lekjaa, who was unanimously elected president on Sunday as the sole candidate, has made his intentions clear. In his first statements following his appointment, he announced that a new coach would be named in the coming days — and crucially, that the individual would be a local.
That shift all but rules out Halilhodžić, whose tenure with Algeria has seen notable success, including qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stages. Despite the appeal of his experience, Lekjaa’s preference for a domestic appointment has effectively ended the speculation surrounding the Bosnian tactician.
Instead, the focus has turned to Badou Zaki, a revered figure in Moroccan football. Zaki, a former national team goalkeeper and coach, led Morocco to the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2004. According to Moroccan media, he is now the leading candidate for the role.
With the AFCON qualifiers approaching and a desire to reinvigorate the national team, the FRMF appears poised to bring back a familiar face with proven continental experience. An official announcement is expected soon, as Moroccan football enters a new era under Lekjaa’s leadership.
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