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Rabat – Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui spoke with pride and ambition on Friday night after the Atlas Lions crushed Niger 5-0 at the newly renovated Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The victory, which marked the first game in the new stadium, also secured Morocco’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, making it the first African nation to book its ticket.
Speaking at a post game press conference, Regragui commended his players for showing intensity and discipline, especially in the early stages when Niger picked up quick yellow cards.
He explained that playing with an extra man after Niger went down to 10 helped create space, which Morocco used to score freely. “It’s historic. We keep building on this dynamic. At the end, the most important thing is qualification,” he said.
But the coach also warned about complacency. “When you play 11 against 10, there is sometimes a little relaxation. But the team did the job. We started strong, and 5-0 is a big result for this first match at the stadium.”
Regragui said expectations are now much higher than before for the Atlas Lions. “Fans have the right to demand the (AFCON) trophy. They have been waiting for it for so long. I have this mission, this difficult mission. I have big ambitions and want this to happen.”
The coach added that “the team, the fans, the FRMF president, and the King deserve it,” he said, referring to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He added that while Morocco used to be satisfied with small goals, like getting a point to reach the World Cup, the standard has now changed. “The bar is high. Now, the expectation is to win every game, and fans are right to demand this,” Regragui concluded.
