AFCON 2025: Morocco Face Pressure to Deliver on Home Soil

Morocco coach Walid Regragui admits that stressful days lie ahead as the country prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time since 1988.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui, the mastermind behind the team's impressive third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has acknowledged that stressful days lie ahead as the country prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Regragui stated, “My country has been waiting since 1976 to win the Cup of Nations again. There will be stress and pressure for sure, but I am hopeful that we can succeed.”

Ragrogui emphasized the importance of home support, saying, “A key factor in our favour will be the Moroccan people. They are the best football supporters in the world.” However, he also cautioned that his team must respect all their opponents, starting with their first match against Comoros on December 21. Morocco will also face Mali and Zambia in Group A, with the Atlas Lions seeking to improve on their fourth-place finish when they hosted the AFCON in 1988.

Walid Regragui : "Ce serait mentir de dire qu'on n'aura pas la pression. 𝗟𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗲́𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝟭𝟵𝟳𝟲. On a la chance d'organiser ça chez nous avec le 𝗺𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲. On aura également… pic.twitter.com/oxA4gTpkCb

— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) January 27, 2025

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle gave a measured response after the Super Eagles were drawn in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Chelle said, “I am in charge of a good team, but there are 23 other good teams coming to Morocco, and they all have good coaches.” His comments reflect the competitive nature of the tournament, which will feature 24 teams competing in nine stadiums across Morocco.