Mohamed Ouahbi hails CAF ruling as positive step for Moroccan football

Morocco’s national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi has expressed satisfaction after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to Morocco, following the controversial stripping of hosting rights from Senegal.

Speaking at a press conference unveiling his squad for the upcoming international break, Ouahbi welcomed the decision, describing it as positive for the Atlas Lions.

“This is very good news. I think it can only be positive. It’s a decision taken by CAF; the federation played an important role in this matter, but everything concerning what happened previously during the Africa Cup of Nations will be handled by the federation and the relevant authorities,” Ouahbi said.

The coach emphasized that while administrative matters remain the responsibility of the Moroccan Football Federation, his attention is already focused on the team’s future.

The announcement comes as Morocco prepares to strengthen its squad ahead of the World Cup campaign.

“I will have a group of players who are extremely motivated to shine at the World Cup,” Ouahbi added, highlighting his confidence in the squad’s determination and focus.

The CAF decision has been met with mixed reactions across the continent, but within the Moroccan camp, it has brought a sense of relief and validation.

Ouahbi suggested that the ruling could serve as a turning point for the team, providing momentum heading into future international competitions.

With Morocco now confirmed as hosts of the 2025 AFCON, Ouahbi intends to leverage this status to enhance the team’s preparations and performance at the highest level.

The coach’s comments underline a clear commitment to building a competitive squad capable of competing on both continental and global stages.

As Morocco looks ahead, the emphasis will be on maximising the opportunity presented by CAF’s ruling and maintaining focus on upcoming fixtures, including the World Cup, where Ouahbi aims to guide his team to success.