Walid Regragui / DR ‹ › National team head coach Walid Regragui expressed his joy for both the players and the supporters after the Atlas Lions booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a victory over Nigeria on Wednesday. «These are matches decided by mental strength and fine margins. It's a wonderful gift for the Moroccan public», Regragui said at the post-match press conference, following the semi-final that was settled by penalties (4–2) after a goalless draw in extra time. Winning trophies, he noted, requires more than just talent. «To lift titles, you need a strong mindset, not only quality players», the coach said. On this occasion, Regragui also expressed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his continued support of the national team and for the broader development of football in Morocco. «We faced a strong, well-organized side. It required a lot of energy, and now we must recover as quickly as possible», he added, stressing that the most important outcome was Morocco's return to the AFCON final, 22 years after their last appearance in 2004 against Tunisia. «Today's victory also belongs to the entire staff. It's a victory for Morocco», he underlined. Regragui also highlighted Youssef En-Nesyri's decision to step up for the final penalty. «He volunteered to take it, which shows the character of this great player who has given so much to the national team», he said, describing the squad as a «close-knit group». Looking ahead, Regragui emphasized the significance of Sunday's final for the history of Moroccan football, insisting that the national team must make a habit of reaching the tournament's decisive stages. Man of the match Yassine Bounou, meanwhile, paid tribute to the fans for their unwavering support during a demanding contest. «The love of the supporters for the national team pushes us to give even more», he said. «We prepared well for this match, and I thank all my teammates», Bounou added. «Over the next three days, we will recover both mentally and physically to deliver a strong performance in the final».
