Regragui addresses Gabon strategy, weather challenges ahead of AFCON game

Atlas Lions coach Walid Regragui explained the reason behind his intervention to address the controversy surrounding Azzedine Ounahi’s celebration after scoring a goal in the match against Tanzania, especially since some fans believed was aimed at the Egyptian team.

“Ounahi did not intend through his celebration against Tanzania what has been circulated. He is a player with high morals” defended Regragui today during the press conference preceding the Morocco-Congo match at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Regragui emphasized that he would make sure that nothing would distract his team’s focus.

“Ounahi remains a crucial player, and we didn’t want him to be distracted by any controversy, even though there were any,” continued the coach.

In response to a question from Hesport about Noussair Mazraoui’s readiness, the Atlas Lions coach replied, “Mazraoui is very likely to be present in the third match,” adding that “a minor cold is the only thing delaying his preparation.”

Speaking about the Democratic Republic of Congo match, Regragui commented, “We will face a good team, with players of excellent experience who play in the biggest international clubs. This match will not be easy for us.”

He stressed that “we must forget the victory in the first match and focus on tomorrow’s game. We must respect the opponent to achieve the most important thing, which is to advance to the second round of the AFCON.”

“The weather conditions here in Ivory Coast are indeed challenging, even the timing of the match, but we must adapt to the situation and leave excuses aside,” underscored the coach of the Moroccan national team.

Responding to a question from a Congolese journalist, Regragui emphasized that “you always have to be cautious of the leopard, because if you don’t watch out, it will devour you and our strategy is to not let it devour us.

The upcoming match tomorrow, said the Atlas Lions coach, will be a new challenge for both Congo and Morocco, stressing that both teams have evolved and are not the same as they were two or three years ago.