Photo Courtesy: Royal Moroccan Football Federation
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has admitted they will be under pressure to deliver when they host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
During the tournament's draw held in Rabat on Monday, the Atlas Lions were pooled in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. According to Regragui the pressure will be on the hosts to deliver but he remained confident they have what it takes to carry the day.
“Of course, there is additional pressure, but we’re not going to hide from it,” said Regragui as quoted by CAFOnline.com. “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.”
He added: “There are supporters, who have dreamed of this trophy staying in Morocco since 1976. The sacred union between the team and the fans will be crucial. This pressure must be positive, and even if it becomes negative, we’ll handle it. We are highly motivated and have all the conditions to have a great tournament.”
Morocco, semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and one of Africa’s top footballing nations, will be seeking their first AFCON title since 1976.
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