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Rabat—Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has urged his players to balance emotion with discipline as the Atlas Lions prepare to face Senegal in Sunday’s AFCON Morocco 2025 final, insisting that history can only be made by staying focused over 90 minutes.
Speaking on Saturday at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, at the pre-match press conference, Regragui described the final as a massive moment for himself and the entire team. He also made sure to mention just how big a challenge Senegal will be, given that they’re appearing in their third final in only four editions of the tournament.
“I am very happy to play this final at home, it is the dream of every coach. Now, the most difficult step remains. Senegal has a great coach and a great team. They have played three finals in four tournaments. We have one objective: to make history and make our supporters happy,” he said.
The Atlas Lions coach emphasized that this match is super important for African football in general. He sees it as a major moment with two of the continent’s most consistent and best teams finally facing off on the biggest stage of all. “This is good for Africa and for CAF to have a match like this,” he added.
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Handling pressure on home soil
As the host nation, Morocco has felt the pressure and expectations all tournament long. Coach Regragui believes that while they can’t just ignore that weight, they have to manage it and use it as motivation.
“Managing emotions has been important from the beginning. Morocco are the team under pressure because we are playing at home,” he explained. “In the first 25 minutes against Tanzania, we could have paid dearly, but then we relaxed. In a final, you have to play the game, enjoy it, and win the trophy.”
Still, Senegal’s pedigree, Regragui warned, makes them dangerous regardless of atmosphere or circumstance. “Senegal will be there tomorrow, with the crowd or without. They will be strong. I just hope there is no excess confidence, from them or from us. It won’t be easy for anyone. We will be confident, and so will they.”
With Morocco having played extra time in the knockout stages, Regragui dismissed concerns over fatigue, pointing instead to the mentality of his squad. “We have half an hour more in our legs, but we also have a squad. If a player is tired, it won’t be tomorrow that he gives up. Everyone wants to make history. If some players struggle after a few minutes, others on the bench will come in.”
A long-term vision beyond the final
While Sunday’s final is a unique chance to win the AFCON trophy right there at home, Regragui shared that Morocco is aiming for more than just this one tournament. “It’s the objective of an entire country, but it’s still football. I’m trying to change mentalities. Morocco’s objective is not just to play this final, win it and be happy for 50 years. It’s to come back in two years and four years, to be there again and be consistent.”
Regragui also called on Moroccan fans to play their part, urging them to turn the stadium into a true home advantage. “We are a team of winners. We will play the match over 90 minutes – not before, not after. Our supporters reached 100 decibels in the semi-final. Tomorrow, we need more. Senegal must understand that this is not the Stade des Martyrs. Coming to beat us in Morocco is very complicated. Cameroon realized it, Nigeria too.”
Even though they are about to face off in a highly competitive final, the Atlas Lions coach was quick to point out the strong, lasting friendship and connection between Morocco and Senegal.
“Nothing will ever break the links between Moroccans and Senegalese. They are indelible. I have a very strong relationship with Senegal. During the match, we argue because everyone wants to win, but at the end, we are brothers.”
Read also: Senegal vs. Morocco: Who Will Win the AFCON Morocco 2025 Trophy?
