Morocco coach Walid Regragui has revealed that his ultimate ambition is to see captain Achraf Hakimi lift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy on home soil in Rabat.
“This has always been my goal and will remain so—it is the dream of every Moroccan,” Regragui said during a press conference unveiling the Atlas Lions’ latest squad.
“I am thrilled by the atmosphere and the new stadium, but achieving this dream will demand tremendous effort and determination.”
The squad sees the debut of El Aynaoui and El Karouani. Regragui praised their inclusion, highlighting the contributions they are expected to make.
“El Aynaoui, the son of tennis star Younes El Aynaoui, brings energy to our midfield, while El Karouani has been in excellent form and has earned his opportunity,” he said. “The Moroccan national team has become a source of pride for everyone.”
Defensive arrangements remain a concern for Regragui.
“Defense is an area I am closely monitoring. Al-Hilali cannot operate at center-back, while Al-Sheeb earned his spot through impressive performances with Pyramids FC both domestically and in Africa. We are also awaiting Romain Saiss’ return to explore further options,” he explained.
Injuries have forced the coach to navigate key absences, most notably Betis midfielder Ez-Zalzouli. “He is a crucial player for the national team, so his absence is significant,” Regragui noted.
Speaking in a television interview, Regragui expressed pride at sharing the opening of Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium with Niger coach Zaki Badou ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifier.
“It feels like a dream to be alongside my mentor Zaki at this historic event. The stadium is magnificent, and Moroccan fans are eager to experience it. This is a milestone in my coaching career,” he said.
Looking ahead to the qualifier, Regragui acknowledged the challenge posed by Niger.
“Zaki will make it difficult for us; he is known for his tactical discipline, as we experienced in the first leg. It will be a unique test against a great coach, and our focus is on securing victory,” he stated.
Regragui concluded by emphasizing the team’s broader ambitions: “Qualifying for the World Cup through Niger is vital, as it allows us to approach the match against Zambia with a different mindset.”
