Moroccan male national football team coach Walid Regragui, commended his players’ resilience and adaptability following their 5-1 triumph over Gabon on November 15, 2024.
But the head coach of the Atlas Lions also stressed the need for continued improvement as they progress in the qualifiers.
Speaking at a press conference after the match, Regragui reflected on the team’s ability to overcome an early setback and deliver a commanding performance in the fifth round of qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
“I am satisfied with the players’ performance,” Regragui stated.
“I want to congratulate them because it is not easy to get back into the atmosphere of the match after conceding a goal. We reacted as we should, adjusted well, and immediately sought the second and third goals. We anticipated that the Gabonese team would push forward looking for an equalizer, which created spaces that we were able to exploit.”
The head coach emphasized the significance of maintaining composure and implementing tactical adjustments after Gabon took the lead in the fourth minute.
Highlighting the team’s growth, he said, “We won by five goals to one and succeeded in correcting several aspects of our play. We were more solid both defensively and offensively. This performance reflects our progress, but we know there’s still significant work ahead.”
Regragui’s remarks also reflected his broader focus on the team’s long-term development. While he acknowledged the team’s strong form in the qualifiers, he cautioned against complacency, noting that the path to AFCON glory requires consistent improvement.
The coach’s post-match reflections came as Morocco solidified their position at the top of Group B with a perfect record of five wins, collecting 15 points in the process.
As they prepare for their final qualifier against Lesotho in November 18, in Oujda, Regragui’s focus remains on refining the team’s performance and sustaining their momentum heading into the tournament.