Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has moved quickly to shut down growing speculation ahead of Wednesday’s AFCON 2025 semi-final showdown against Nigeria, revealing what he believes is the only advantage his team holds over the Super Eagles.
Speaking at an intense pre-match press conference in Rabat on Monday, the Atlas Lions boss dismissed claims that officiating decisions have favoured the tournament hosts, insisting Morocco’s success has been earned purely on the pitch.
“Our Only Advantage Is The Crowd”
Following Morocco’s controversial 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon, discussions around refereeing decisions have dominated headlines. The Indomitable Lions were left furious after penalty appeals were waved away, fuelling accusations of bias.
Regragui, however, was having none of it.
“As the team to beat, people will try to find all sorts of reasons to say Morocco has an advantage,” he told reporters.
“The only advantage that Morocco has is playing in front of 65,000 spectators. The rest is on the field. We speak on the field.”
It was a clear message aimed at critics — Morocco are not riding luck or favouritism, but form and belief.
Stats, Confidence, And Unbeaten History
The Moroccan coach doubled down on his stance, pointing to performance data as proof of his side’s dominance.
“Statistics show we are better than our opponents. We create more chances, and no goals were wrongly disallowed. Some people just look for excuses.”
Morocco head into the semi-final on an astonishing 25-match unbeaten run — a world-record streak that dates back to their surprise elimination by South Africa at AFCON 2023. Since then, the Atlas Lions have been ruthless, disciplined, and relentless.
With the tournament hosted on home soil, expectations are sky-high, and Regragui has made no secret of his ambition to lift the trophy in Rabat.
Super Eagles Stand In The Way
Standing between Morocco and a dream final are Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles — the most in-form team at AFCON 2025. Nigeria boast a perfect record in the tournament so far and arguably the most feared attack on the continent.
The semi-final promises a clash of ideologies: Morocco’s structured dominance versus Nigeria’s explosive flair and confidence.
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All Eyes On Rabat
With narratives swirling, emotions running high, and Africa watching, one thing is certain — this is more than just a football match. It’s pride, pressure, and legacy on the line.
And if Regragui is to be believed, the only edge Morocco will lean on is the roar of their people.
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