Regragui Hails Morocco’s AFCON Final Qualification After Penalty Win Over Nigeria
Morocco coach Walid Regragui has dedicated his side’s victory over Nigeria, which secured a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final, saying his country fully deserves the achievement.
The Atlas Lions reached their third AFCON final after edging the Super Eagles 4-2 on penalties, following a tense encounter that remained deadlocked after 90 minutes and extra time.
The semi-final was decided from the spot, where goalkeeper Yassine Bounou rose to the occasion in front of a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah on Wednesday night.
Morocco are bidding to win the AFCON for the first time in 50 years, having last lifted the trophy in 1976. Their only other final appearance came in 2004, when they lost to North African rivals Tunisia — a squad that included Regragui alongside current Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
“I thank everyone who supported us,” Regragui told CAFonline, who famously led Morocco to a historic FIFA World Cup semi-final in 2022.
“We received very touching messages, and they had a big impact on us. I thank our players — we are very proud of them — and I also thank the Moroccan fans, who truly deserve this achievement.
“We suffered a lot, and reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil is a beautiful gift. Now we must think about recovery quickly because we made a huge effort. We played extra time, the match was difficult, and it consumed a lot of energy.
“I congratulate the Nigerian national team and coach Eric Chelle for the great work they have done, and I also congratulate our players and fans, because we all fought together without exception.”
Morocco will face Senegal, who defeated Egypt in the other semi-final on Wednesday, in Sunday’s final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Egypt and Nigeria will contest the third-place play-off on Saturday at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
With a packed stadium, a host nation dreaming of history, and a reigning powerhouse seeking affirmation, the stage is set for a final that promises to cap a compelling Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
