Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has vowed to fight for the Africa Cup of Nations title in honour of midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who was sidelined by injury ahead of the knockout stages.
“Ounahi, unfortunately, suffered a leg injury, one he had previously dealt with at Girona and which worsened during training.
“We promised him that we would all fight together to make him happy by winning the trophy, which is the dream of all Moroccans,” Regragui said in a television interview.
Ounahi, a key figure in Morocco’s midfield, broke his silence for the first time since the injury that ended his tournament.
Responding to rumours that a teammate had deliberately caused the injury during training ahead of the match against Tanzania, he firmly denied any wrongdoing.
“I would like to clarify with complete transparency that this injury happened without any contact. It is an injury that occurs in football, and it has nothing to do with any teammate. It was necessary to clarify this point,” Ounahi wrote on Instagram.
Despite being sidelined, the 25-year-old remains fully committed to supporting his team, urging his teammates to continue fighting in his absence.
“I am with you, present with my heart and mind, with the spirit of a warrior. I will support you so that we fight together until the last breath to win this title, God willing, and dedicate it to the Moroccan people,” he added.
Ounahi’s injury is a blow for Morocco, but his determination and Regragui’s promise have strengthened the squad’s resolve.
The Atlas Lions vs. Cameroon quarter-final match is scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM GMT (8:00 PM local time). The match will be held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
