Morocco coach Walid Regragui said Thursday that the September 5 qualifier against Niger in Rabat «will be no walk in the park» against a side «that defends well». «It's hard to score against them, but Morocco is Africa's top-ranked team and we have what it takes to win», he told reporters at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, noting that the squad had prepared to correct mistakes from the last match. He expects «a game similar to the first leg, which Morocco won 2–1». Regragui highlighted the symbolic value of facing his former coach, Badou Zaki, in a match that will also inaugurate the refurbished Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. He praised Moroccan workers and companies for completing the venue in record time and pointed to the strong year achieved by national teams across categories. Turning to player selection, Regragui stressed continuity: «It's not logical to change the backbone of the team. The 2022 World Cup leaders are here. Competition is healthy, but form, playing style, and experience are decisive». He welcomed Nael El Aynaoui of AS Roma, calling him «a versatile player who adds a new profile to midfield», and noted his pride in bringing in the son of Moroccan tennis legend Younes El Aynaoui. Regragui also addressed absences: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United) and Sofiane Rahimi (Al Ain) are injured, as are Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis) and Abdelkabir Abqar (Getafe). He hopes they recover quickly. On Hakim Ziyech, he urged: «He must find a club soon and regain his level». He also backed Azzedine Ounahi as a steady option in midfield despite seeking a transfer from Marseille. Looking ahead to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and the 2026 World Cup, Regragui admitted central defense remains his «biggest concern». Nayef Aguerd is the only certainty: «We haven't found his permanent partner yet. The door is open». Morocco tops Group E with 15 points from five wins, ahead of Tanzania (9 pts), Zambia (6), and Niger (6). After Niger, the Atlas Lions travel to Lusaka on September 9 to face Zambia.
