AFCON 2025: Walid Regragui gives an update ahead of the clash with Cameroon
On the eve of the quarter final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations between Morocco and Cameroon, scheduled for Friday evening, Walid Regragui spoke to the media to discuss the condition of his squad, the challenges ahead and the tactical approach chosen for this crucial fixture.
The national team coach first delivered reassuring news about Hamza Igamane. The striker is now fully recovered and ready to be used. “He was already available during the last match, but we chose not to take any risks. Today, he is fully fit,” Regragui explained.
However, uncertainty remains around Sofyan Amrabat, who is still bothered by persistent pain and continues his treatment protocol. The same applies to captain Romain Saiss, whose return to full fitness has not yet been confirmed. For the rest, the squad is in a satisfactory physical condition.
On the playing side, Walid Regragui insisted on the importance of constant adaptation. According to him, each match requires its own adjustments, especially after analysing the first half, which can lead to changes in organisation during the game.
The Moroccan coach also returned to the absence of Azzedine Ounahi in the previous outing, a factor that forced him to rethink the balance of the midfield. He highlighted the strength of the collective and sought to reassure Bilal El Khannouss, encouraging him to play naturally and calmly without being overwhelmed by pressure.
Speaking about the Cameroonian opponent and the past between the two nations, Regragui played down historical references. “The elimination of 1988 belongs to another era,” he recalled, noting that the most recent meeting in 2018 had gone in Morocco’s favour. He also reminded that he faced the Indomitable Lions twice during his playing career, with a record of one win and one draw.
Aware of Cameroon’s solidity and experience, the Atlas Lions coach stressed that his team will have to deliver a very high level performance to hope to qualify. He acknowledged the pressure surrounding this quarter final, while praising the mature attitude of the Moroccan public, whose support in recent matches has been both strong and measured.
Regragui also explained that Amrabat’s unavailability had led him to favour a more offensive midfield, recalling that every tactical choice is dictated by the characteristics of the opponent.
Finally, the national coach concluded by showing complete confidence in his squad. He was particularly calm about Achraf Hakimi, convinced that the captain will quickly regain his sharpness and influence after a mixed performance in the last match in order to be ready against Cameroon.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv
