Cape Town – Morocco coach Walid Regragui has made no secret of his expectations ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations — he insists Morocco must win when they host the tournament.
Speaking after Morocco’s 4–0 win over Uganda in a pre-AFCON friendly, Regragui laid down the gauntlet, “We will have to win the AFCON … we built something after AFCON 2023 … we arrive with confidence … what interests me is winning the AFCON and making history.”
He also addressed the risks that come with being host:
“Of course, there is additional pressure, but we’re not going to hide from it … this pressure is not just on me as the coach but also on the players … it’s a big responsibility, but it’s one we accept with pride.”
GOAAAAAAAAAL! ⚽️
But de Bilal El Khannouss contre Uganda 🇲🇦🔥
Maroc 4-0 Uganda pic.twitter.com/LQeVmVUhIt
— FRMF Xtra (@FRMFXtra) November 18, 2025
Regragui’s self-belief is clear — he has publicly declared that he considers himself uniquely capable of delivering the title, “You won’t find anyone better than me to win the Africa Cup of Nations … If you think Guardiola, Ancelotti or Klopp can win it, you should go sit down with them … No one will do it better than me.”
But he has also made clear what’s at stake for him personally. In a candid moment, Regragui admitted on Spanish TV that his future with Morocco hinges on AFCON success.
“If we don’t win the 2025 AFCON … that contract will end and I will leave.”
The coach’s ambition is matched by optimism for the team. After the group-stage draw placed Morocco in Group A (with Mali, Zambia and Comoros), he struck a hopeful tone, “We are hoping to make one of the best AFCONs in history … and it will be – especially if we win it.”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
