Regragui on AFCON: ‘I didn‘t stay to lose‘

The upcoming AFCON will determine which African country is the best at the moment, since in football only results are valid. Looking at the other pre-tournament parameters, Morocco is the favorite. Not only the Atlas Lions are playing as hosts, but they are holding the record regarding a number of games without losing. They even surpassed Spain‘s record in 2009 and currently stand at number 16. Including two more friendly games, the streak is longer – 18 games, and it‘s logical that they are considering to be a top team to win AFCON.

Mighty Atlas Lions thrash rivals, scoring 16 goals from 80 shots?!

Even coach Walid Regragui is not trying to hide the obvious, but is still cautions, considering the fact that anything can happen in football.

"We arrive with confidence, but in my experience, nothing is guaranteed. We're not getting carried away. We're focused on our AFCON. There are three or four weeks left, and we'll hope there are no injuries. We've done the work with the staff. Now, what we need is to win a title so we can grow. It's everyone's dream, but there's no point in talking about it. What interests me is winning. I didn't stay to not win the AFCON. What interests me is making history" he said.

Morocco beat Spain national team's record

After reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup (losing 2-0 to France) and falling in the quarter-finals of the last Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast (losing 2-0 to South Africa), the Atlas Lions have managed this excellent streak of wins which is yet to be broken.

"We've built something since the last AFCON. If we always judge this team on that match against South Africa, we'll always have nightmares. In the last year and a half, we've had nineteen wins and one draw. Yes, we played at home. But precisely because the AFCON is being held at home, we've shown that we'll be a tough opponent" he said.

U20 World Champions - how did it happen?

Regragui has a chance to win Morocco‘s only second AFCON this January, as the first happened exactly 50 years ago, in February 1976. The Atlas Lions‘ coach is happy with his team and emphasizes progression in their style of play.

"In terms of our style of play, we've had some very good matches, some average matches, matches where we alternated between strong and weak periods. What matters to me is that we've progressed. We've improved the team, we've rejuvenated the squad. What matters to me is that the mindset is good. We're scoring goals. We're not conceding many, despite the concerns some fans may have, and that's normal. They might think that perhaps against top teams, we could be put under pressure. But we have no doubts" said Regragui.