CAN 2025: Morocco vs Mali set to be “balanced” clash, says Walid Regragui
Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui said on Thursday in Rabat that the Atlas Lions’ second Group A match against Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations will be a tightly contested encounter against a side “full of talent.”
“Mali have one of the best teams in Africa and they are hungry to win. The match will be very balanced. It will be a real battle. We are going for the three points so we can qualify for the round of 16 as early as Friday,” Regragui told a press conference ahead of Friday’s clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, scheduled for 9:00 pm.
The national coach recalled that Morocco opened the tournament with an important 2-0 win over the Comoros but stressed that the challenge will be very different this time.
“After an important first victory against the Comoros in the opening match, we are now getting into the real competition against a Mali team we know very well,” he said.
Speaking about the opponents, Regragui underlined their technical quality and character.
“Against the Malian Eagles, it will be a different match. They have personality and technical control. I like this team because they will try to create chances, which will leave us some spaces,” he explained.
Regragui also addressed the pressure surrounding the Atlas Lions, noting that his squad has been dealing with expectations for more than a year and a half.
“We have been managing and accepting the pressure for a year and a half. No match is ever won at half-time. Even with sterile possession, the opponent often ends up getting tired,” he said, adding that the squad is almost at full strength.
“Apart from Romain, who felt a small strain, and Hamza Igamane and Achraf Hakimi, who are in recovery, the group is ready. We will make the right decision for Achraf tomorrow,” he noted.
Turning to young defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Regragui praised the Stade Rennais player’s potential.
“He has enormous talent. In his development there have been ups and downs. He is a gem for the future. I called him up more than a year ago when he was still playing for Rennes’ reserve team. Today everyone is asking for him to start. We will support him,” he said.
Regragui also highlighted the importance of Azzedine Ounahi, saying that when the Girona midfielder “is at his top level, Morocco become a great team.”
For his part, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal said preparations have been intense, stressing that matches at this CAN are never easy.
“We will try to win against Mali. The players are aware of how important tomorrow’s victory is,” he said, adding that he is proud to wear the national team jersey alongside experienced stars.
Editorial team/le7tv
