Regragui: ‘We Have Achieved Nothing Yet’

Rabat – Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui described his team’s 2-0 victory over Cameroon as “historic,” but added that the Atlas Lions now enter a more defining phase in their quest to win Morocco’s second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking at Friday’s post-match press conference at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Regragui recalled that the quarter-finals win against Cameroon marked Morocco’s return to the AFCON semi-finals after a 22-year absence.

“It has been 22 years since Morocco last reached the semi-finals,” he said, stressing that while the victory was deserved, the team must remain focused ahead of the next challenge.

Morocco delivered a strong performance, particularly in the first half, scoring through Brahim Diaz in the 26th minute before Ismail Saibari doubled the lead in the 74th minute to seal qualification.

Regragui commended Cameroon’s intensity and fighting spirit, noting that the match forced his players to give their best. “Cameroon pushed us to our limits. They are a strong team and will have a say in African football in the coming years,” he said.

The Moroccan coach also spoke about the key role played by the fans, describing their support as decisive. “The crowd was our strength. We played with 12 players,” Regragui said. “We delivered our best first half since the 2022 World Cup. The second half was more balanced, especially when Cameroon tried to come back.”

He added that Morocco showed its status as a top team, saying the national side is now “where it should be.”

“We are two matches away from the title, but we have achieved nothing yet,” Regragui warned. “We must take it one game at a time. We want to make history.”

Looking ahead to the semi-finals, Regragui said his team is ready for any opponent. Morocco will face the winner of the quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria.

“If Algeria qualify, it will be a historic derby. If it’s Nigeria, that’s a different style of football,” he said. “We don’t have a preferred opponent.”

Ismail Saibari, who was named Man of the Match, said the game was tough but commended his teammates’ performance.

“It was a strong match, but we were well prepared and played a great game,” Saibari said. “Defensively, we were ready, and we took our chances.”

The team is fully focused on the semi-final and determined to go all the way, he added, stressing: “We are now concentrating on the semi-final, and we will work hard to reach the final.”