Author: La Redaction
Morocco secured its place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Tanzania 1-0 on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Rabat, after a round of 16 match that was tighter than expected. For a long time, the Atlas Lions struggled against a disciplined opponent, who was well-organized and ready to capitalize on any hesitation, in a typical ‘trap’ match scenario that the coach had indeed feared before kick-off. The breakthrough came in the 64th minute, thanks to Brahim Díaz, who scored the only goal of the match and his fourth goal in the tournament. This achievement…
At 5 PM at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco begins its knockout phase against Tanzania, with the idea that “the real tournament starts now.” In this context, Hoalid Regragui must also deal with a significant blow confirmed just hours before the match: Azzedine Ounahi is unavailable, seen at the stadium on crutches with a brace, forcing the staff to readjust the balance in midfield. The coach fields an initiative-oriented eleven in a 4-3-3 formation, with an important return on the flanks: Bounou in goal; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, and Mazraoui in defense; El Aynaoui, El Khannouss, and Saibari…
Rabat, January 4, 2026 – Just hours before the Round of 16 match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Tanzania (5 PM, Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex), the Atlas Lions received some bad news: Azzedine Ounahi will not participate in the match. The Moroccan midfielder, who plays for Girona, was seen arriving at the stadium on crutches with a brace on his left foot, an image that quickly circulated in the media and confirmed the physical alert. In the Moroccan plan, Ounahi’s absence weighs heavily as he brings what few profiles possess in the same position: the ability to…
Brahim Díaz has established himself as one of Morocco’s key figures during the group stage, scoring in three consecutive matches and contributing significantly to the team’s play with his ability to operate between the lines. His importance in a knockout match is twofold: he can speed up the game when the opponent sits back, and he can also create a ‘decisive’ action without necessarily dominating for 90 minutes. This ability to create imbalance in tight spaces is often what unlocks the round of 16. Against Tanzania, his role will be central to avoid the mental fatigue of a match that…
Just hours before the third group match against Zambia, Hoalid Regragui placed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in its reality: a tournament where the status of host country offers no shortcuts. In a press conference, the coach of the Atlas Lions reminded that the competition is played under optimal conditions for all teams, making the difference even finer. He emphasized one point: beyond the pitches, hotels, and organization, “this will be the most difficult AFCON to win” and Morocco must rely on what cannot be shared: its public. In this logic, Regragui reiterated his message to the stands:…
On the eve of Morocco–Zambia in Rabat, Hoalid Regragui sought to close the chapter on the draw against Mali by bringing everyone back to the primary objective. “We will continue on our path. Our goal is to finish first in our group,” he emphasized, as the Atlas Lions still need to secure their position in a very tight Group A. In recent days, the coach also had to address topics that have fueled discussions, particularly regarding his defensive line. In response to rumors about Nayef Aguerd, he was direct: “Who told you that Aguerd is injured? He is training normally…
The setting is straightforward: Morocco wants to avoid a tense end to the group stage and maintain control over its ranking, while Zambia is fighting for qualification. In the standings, Morocco leads with 4 points, followed by Mali and Zambia (2 points), while Comoros trails with 1 point. In this context, Regragui emphasizes continuity (‘steady progress’) and the goal of finishing first, while Sichone highlights optimal preparation and Morocco’s status. The two narratives complement each other: on one side, the obligation to show up; on the other, the necessity to turn a knockout match in their favor. Thus, the match…
The Achraf Hakimi situation remains central ahead of Morocco-Zambia, as it touches on both the field and leadership. Regragui explained that he wants to bring Hakimi back “with rhythm,” aiming for a build-up before the knockout stage. “We hope he will get some playing time against Zambia so that he is ready for the round of 16… With Achraf, there will be even more impact and speed. And he is a leader,” he stated. The coach also detailed, after the Mali match, why he did not want to force Hakimi’s return: Hakimi was “predisposed” to come on, but the match…
On the Moroccan side, Hoalid Regragui has refocused the objective ahead of the last group match: “We will continue on our path. Our goal is to finish first in our group,” he stated at a press conference. The coach wants a sharper Morocco, capable of securing qualification without calculations. The message aligns with his reaction after the draw against Mali: Regragui acknowledged the frustration while emphasizing the need to win the last match to finish at the top and remain in Rabat. “We must win against Zambia and qualify as first to stay in Rabat,” he insisted. In terms of…
On the eve of a match that could shift the balance in Group A, Zambian coach Moses Sichone has set the tone: Zambia has no margin for error and must deliver a standout performance to stay alive in this Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Within the Chipolopolo camp, the message is clear: accept Morocco’s status without resigning to it. Facing the host nation, Sichone emphasized the importance of preparation and the quality of the opponent, described as “the best team in the group.” “We must prepare optimally for this decisive match against Morocco, the host country and the best…