HIBAPRESS – Sports
The national coach, Walid Regragui, confirmed on Saturday that the Moroccan national team, which will face Tanzania in the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations (Morocco 2025), respects its opponent and will do its best to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Regragui said in the press conference preceding the match, which will take place on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (at five in the afternoon), “We know Tanzania well. It will be a difficult match. But we hope to win and qualify for the quarter-finals.” After highlighting that this tournament for the Moroccan national team, both for the technical staff and the players, “is a tournament of realism par excellence,” he affirmed that the national team “must be realistic and deal rationally, as everyone considers us the most favored candidate,” noting that the Tanzanian team is making remarkable progress during this tournament. He said, “Tanzania has a developed league, with good local players accustomed to playing in Africa. We will play this match with our capabilities and strength so that they do not achieve the surprise. Anything is possible in this match.” According to the national coach, “Morocco is a team that constantly presses, and the statistics confirm that.” On another note, Regragui clarified that the performance of the Moroccan national team does not depend only on the readiness of Brahim Diaz, stressing that “danger can come from any player.” He explained that “Brahim Diaz is an effective player. He needed some time to adapt to African football, which is completely different from Europe. The most important thing is that danger comes from all directions. The group is the most important. And when Brahim is effective, this benefits the team.” When addressing the case of Achraf Hakimi, the national coach said that he had always been clear about his health condition, stressing that “the goal was to give him the opportunity to improve his level and bring him into competition at the right time. Physically, he is ready and capable of playing tomorrow's match.” Regarding Hamza Ighman, Regragui pointed out that his health condition is improving well, adding “We are within the predetermined time limits, and we are making remarkable progress, both in the case of Achraf and Hamza. The medical staff worked day and night to make Hamza ready to compete.” On the other hand, the national coach noted that the journey of Ayoub El Kaabi, who scored three goals in this edition of the African Cup of Nations, represents “a model to be emulated by young players.” He highlighted that El Kaabi “never gave up. Work and seriousness are two essential elements for achieving success, and he knows the place he wants to reach. And Ayoub is among the players who open the door of hope for young Moroccans.” The Moroccan national team had finished the first round at the top of Group A with 7 points, achieved from two victories against Comoros (2-0) and Zambia (3-0), and a draw against Mali (1-1). For its part, the Tanzanian national team qualified for the round of 16 among the best teams that occupied third place, after finishing the Group C competitions in third place with two points, after its defeat against Nigeria (2-1) and its draw against both Uganda (1-1) and Tunisia (1-1).
