Morocco head coach Walid Regragui said Thursday he is determined to lead the Atlas Lions to an Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil, while also focusing on the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Niger and Zambia.
Speaking at a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Regragui expressed his delight that Morocco’s opening qualifier will pit him against compatriot Badou Zaki, now coaching Niger, at the newly renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
“It’s an honor to face Badou Zaki in the opening of such a great stadium,” Regragui said. “But our biggest goal remains winning the Africa Cup of Nations here in Morocco.”
The coach announced his squad list for the September fixtures, noting the return of winger Ilias Akhomach and forward Amine Adli, who missed the last camp but has impressed with his start at English side Bournemouth. Regragui also praised midfielder Azzedine Ounahi and newcomer Naïl El Aynaoui, who he said brings fresh options to the midfield.
Regragui stressed the importance of keeping the team’s backbone intact while rewarding form players. “You can’t change 25 players at once. Balance is crucial, and our key players remain important,” he said.
The coach also pointed to domestic talent shining in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), citing names like Rabie Hrimat, Anas Bach, and Mehdi Mehere, saying the door to the national team “is open to anyone who proves himself.”
Several injuries remain a concern, with Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi among those sidelined. Regragui added that staff are monitoring players adjusting to new clubs, including Abdelkabir Abqar, and others playing abroad such as Amine Zahzouh in Qatar.
Addressing fans, Regragui ended on an ambitious note: “We have a fantastic stadium and passionate supporters. The moment we all dream of is seeing Achraf Hakimi lift the African Cup. That will be the real celebration.”
Morocco faces Niger on Sept. 5 and Zambia on Sept. 8 in Rabat as part of its World Cup 2026 qualification campaign.
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