DR ‹ › Morocco's national team head coach Walid Regragui said on Saturday in Rabat that the Atlas Lions will give everything to achieve their goal of winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Morocco's opening fixture against the Comoros on Sunday at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, marking the start of the AFCON, scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco, Regragui stressed that «we are fully aware of the responsibility we carry. Our objective is to win the Cup, and the players are ready to deliver a strong AFCON». Addressing the match against the Comoros, the national coach underlined that «every match is important because we represent Morocco. Emotions must be managed because expectations are high, but the players must remain calm, confident, humble, and respectful of the opponent». يؤكد الناخب الوطني وليد الركراكي، قبل المواجهة الافتتاحية لكأس أمم إفريقيا 2025 أمام منتخب جزر القمر، أن المنافسة لن تكون سهلة، مشددًا على أن المنتخب الوطني اشتغل بجد كبير من أجل هذه اللحظة. وأضاف أن حمل قميص المنتخب يمثل مسؤولية كبيرة، وأن اللاعبين جاهزون تمامًا للتحدي، معبّرًا… pic.twitter.com/8xF2NSkQY0 — Agence MAP (@MAP_Information) December 20, 2025 Regarding injuries affecting some national team players, Regragui pointed to the need «to adapt to difficulties and last-minute injuries», adding that «the national team has been preparing for a long time to deal with such setbacks». «Every player who takes the field will be ready and will do the job required», he insisted. «Today, we have the desire and the belief that we can win. We want to stay on this path so that Moroccan football remains at the highest level and continues to compete for titles», Regragui added. He also acknowledged Morocco's status as one of the tournament favorites, noting that «being considered favorites means we will be closely watched». He described this as «positive pressure that pushes us to better manage our effort, our game, and our mentality». On the participation of Achraf Hakimi, Regragui highlighted the player's efforts to recover, describing the PSG defender as «an example for everyone, given the work he has put in to be ready for the AFCON». According to the national coach, «all the ingredients for victory are in place, motivation, unity, and the support of the fans». He added that «there will be difficult matches where we may suffer, but that is often part of the path to victory».
