Walid Regragui: The Friendly Matches Against Tunisia and Benin Are “a Good Opportunity” to Gain Certainties Ahead of the AFCON

“Friendly matches are a test that allows us to better assess the players’ profiles in preparation for the upcoming AFCON,” emphasized Regragui during a press conference held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamora, where he presented the list of players selected to take part in the national team’s friendlies at the Fez Sports Complex.

“The tournament will put us up against African teams, which is why the choice of Tunisia and Benin is important,” he said, adding that both teams, which have solid defenses, are likely to help us better prepare for the competition.

“Our goal is to have the best players who choose to represent Morocco with their hearts. If a player is not present in the national team, it means either he hasn’t earned his place yet or he has other options,” he said in response to the absence of certain players, emphasizing that “we must encourage those who have chosen to wear the national team jersey.”

Regarding the absence of several players due to injury, he indicated that “90% of the defenders are unavailable, but this is an opportunity to try new profiles,” considering himself lucky that these absences come during friendly matches.

“We have work to do on the defensive side, and that’s why I’m opting for different players in order to make the best choices,” he noted.

According to the national coach, “the core of the national team is stable, but changes are necessary due to several factors, such as players’ form, injuries, or technical staff decisions,” adding that “to win the AFCON, we need good players, passionate fans, and above all, a winning spirit that must be sustained within the team.”