Questioned about the absence of several players who were crowned world champions with the Moroccan U20 team, Hoalid Regragui sought to clarify his position during his remarks to the FRMF microphone, following the announcement of the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Morocco.
“Every U20 player might have deserved to be with us,” acknowledged the national coach, while emphasizing the complexity of the choices to be made as a major competition approaches. Regragui insisted that this generation is already partially integrated into the A team, specifically mentioning Eliesse Ben Seghir, Chemsdine Talbi, and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, profiles who could have participated in the U20 World Cup but are now playing with the Atlas Lions.
The Moroccan technician also highlighted the youth already present within the squad. “We sometimes forget that players like Bilal El Khannouss or Ilias Akhomach are only 21 years old,” he reminded, also mentioning the presence of several elements from the Olympic team, winners of the U23 AFCON. This is a deliberate choice, fitting into a logic of continuity and progression.
Aware of the expectations surrounding this home AFCON, Hoalid Regragui finally emphasized the need to find the right balance between preparing for the future and meeting immediate demands. “We are preparing for the future, particularly looking towards 2030, but we are also in the present. To win this AFCON, balance is essential,” he concluded, affirming his intention to rely on a group that is both young, structured, and supported by experienced players.
