AFCON: Walid Regragui targets more history with Morocco

After writing a new chapter, Morocco coach Walid Regragui believes the win against Cameroon will spur them on to write even more history at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Goals in either half from Brahim Díaz and Ismail Saibari sealed a memorable triumph for the Atlas Lions at a sold-out Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, and ended the Indomitable Lions’ journey at the 35th edition of the AFCON in the North African nation.

Regragui once again etched his name into African football history after leading Morocco into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, becoming the first coach to reach the last four of both the FIFA World Cup and AFCON with an African team.

“I want to thank the players and the fans. It truly felt like we were playing with 12 players on the pitch. Qualifying for the semifinals is well deserved, and the players earned it,” Regragui he said.

“I congratulate Cameroon for a strong performance and their coach for his good work. Our players gave everything, and when they stay focused, things go well. I am very happy with what they showed.”

Speaking on goal scorer Diaz, he said: “Brahim Díaz is a special player, and I congratulate him for his performances. “We must remain humble because every team wants to beat us, and we must respect all our opponents. Since 2004, Morocco had not reached the semi-finals, and now we are aiming to write history.”

The tournament hosts’ victory over Cameroon followed Senegal’s earlier win over Mali in Tangier where the former African champions edged Mali 1-0.