Regragui: Against Niger, Morocco Has All It Takes to Win

On August 28th, national team coach Walid Regragui stated that Morocco’s match against Niger on September 5th in Rabat, part of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, “will not be a walk in the park” against a team that “knows how to defend well.”

“It’s difficult to score against this team. Nevertheless, Morocco is the top-ranked African nation in CAF, and we have what it takes to win,” emphasized Regragui, noting that the Atlas Lions will prepare thoroughly for this match to address the shortcomings from their previous encounter.

“We expect a game similar to the first leg, where we secured a 2-1 victory,” he affirmed during a press conference held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé. “I know Badou Zaki, my former coach. It’s an honor for both me and Badou to be on the sidelines for this match, which will mark the inauguration of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex,” continued the national team coach.

He took the opportunity to congratulate “the companies involved in the construction of this stadium and the Moroccan workers who delivered extraordinary work in record time,” while also highlighting the achievements of various national teams that have won multiple trophies and achieved brilliant milestones this year.

Project a Strong Image of Moroccan Football and Win AFCON

National coach Walid Regragui expressed his hope that the local-based Moroccan national team, set to face Madagascar this Saturday in Nairobi for the CHAN final, will secure the continental title.

The coach emphasized his familiarity with several players from the local-based squad, stating, “The CHAN tournament is a prime opportunity for them to showcase their talent. The door remains open for them to join the senior national team in the future.” Regragui also voiced confidence in the Atlas Lions’ ability to clinch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco.

“The fans will be thrilled to see the AFCON trophy lifted by the Atlas Lions’ captain. We are one united family and count on the public’s support to achieve this goal,” he declared during a press briefing.

“The competition won’t be easy. Our priorities are to uphold Moroccan football’s reputation and bring home the AFCON title,” he added. On squad selection, Regragui affirmed that while the core of the team remains stable, “opportunities are open to all players, and adjustments will be made as needed.”

“The backbone of the 2022 World Cup squad is still present. Competition for spots is fierce, but current form, tactical fit, and player experience will guide our decisions,” he explained.

Regarding Neil El Ainaoui’s inclusion, Regragui praised the AS Roma player as “a versatile midfielder who will add fresh energy to the Atlas Lions’ midfield.”

Mazraoui and Rahimi Injured

National coach Walid Regragui expressed his satisfaction at welcoming Neil El Ainaoui, “son of Moroccan tennis and sports legend Youness El Ainaoui,” to the squad, while hinting that additional players could join the national team in due course.

Addressing injury concerns surrounding uncalled players, Regragui highlighted Noussair Mazraoui’s training injury with Manchester United, Sofiane Rahimi of UAE’s Al Ain (also sidelined due to injury), and Betis Sevilla’s Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Getafe’s Abdelkebir Abqar, hoping these players “recover quickly.”

He also urged Hakim Ziyech to “find a club soon and regain his form,” while emphasizing that Azzeddine Ounahi, currently at Olympique Marseille and seeking a new team, “brings stability to Morocco’s midfield.”

On summer transfers, Regragui acknowledged the difficulty of player decisions, calling this season “critical for Moroccan players’ careers” with the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup looming. “If we secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Niger, we can afford to experiment against Zambia,” he added.

However, the coach admitted Morocco’s central defense “remains a lingering concern for the technical staff.” “We haven’t solidified our defensive backbone. No one has stepped up to partner Nayef Aguerd, our only reliable option, though opportunities remain open,” he stated.

Regragui clarified that Omar El Hilali “is not a central defender” and will not be paired with Aguerd. “The entire team must support the defense. We need to finalize our starting center-back pairing before AFCON,” he stressed.

Morocco currently leads Group E with 15 points from five wins, ahead of Tanzania (2nd/9 points) and Zambia (3rd/6 points). Niger sits fourth with 6 points.