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: the team needs a stadium that encourages, not one that grows impatient. The former Wydad coach believes that Morocco’s only real advantage lies in popular energy, and he called for the venues to become a constant lever, even when the match does not progress at the hoped-for pace. He specifically explained that winning “by halftime” is not a realistic standard in an AFCON, stressing that a match is played over 90 minutes and that the essential thing in this type of competition is to advance and “give signs of certainty.”
The coach’s discourse also fits into a context where expectations are at their peak. Morocco kicked off “its” AFCON with a victory against Comoros (2-0), before being held to a draw by Mali (1-1), a result that sparked debates about the content and the Lions’ ability to finish their matches more quickly. Regragui himself embraces the pressure (“there are high expectations around us”) and refuses to see tension as a fatality: he mentions areas for offensive improvement, believes his team has “solutions” against compact defenses, and reminds that patience is part of the journey.
It is precisely on this team-public relationship that Achraf Hakimi wanted to intervene, presenting himself as the spokesperson for the locker room. The Moroccan captain expressed the need for a “sacred union” around the group and emphasized the necessity of bringing everyone—fans and media—together in the same direction. “We need everyone, supporters and journalists,” he stated, implying that the reactions heard during the first two outings (boos at certain moments) cannot become background noise if Morocco wants to go all the way at home.
On a personal level, Hakimi also detailed his resurgence following his ankle injury. He explained that he followed a program with the staff, did not feel 100% during the last match, but now feels better and ready to help, whether on the field or from the bench. The message aligns with the coach’s line: manage, build, and aim for the final objective, lifting the trophy, with a logic of progression and emotional control.
Underlying the call from Regragui and Hakimi goes beyond a simple slogan: it is about transforming Moroccan demands into positive energy. The coach wants “fire” in the stands, Hakimi wants a team that is uplifted and not hindered by the surrounding nervousness. In Rabat, against Zambia, Morocco is playing for both first place and an intangible yet decisive element: the ability of an entire stadium to stay behind the Lions, from the first to the last ball.
