Morocco Must End AFCON Drought, Says Ouaddou
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou believes Morocco can no longer hide behind excuses, insisting the time has come for the Atlas Lions to finally lift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy.
Morocco, hosts of the ongoing AFCON running from 21 December to 18 January 2026, entered the tournament as one of the favourites and are currently ranked as Africa’s top national team.
Despite their lofty status—and despite becoming the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final in Qatar in 2022—Morocco have not won Africa’s biggest prize since 1976.
Ouaddou feels that drought should now end, especially after witnessing the country’s recent success across different levels. Morocco’s U/20 side lifted the FIFA World Cup in October after beating Argentina, while the women’s national team came agonisingly close to winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, narrowly losing to Nigeria in the final.
“I think we cannot hide it anymore – Morocco is one of the favourite teams at this AFCON,” Ouaddou told Sportswire.
“For all the investments and for the big vision our King, Mohammed VI, has implemented over the past 15 years, of course that comes with expectations. Without forgetting the other teams, this will be one of the best AFCONs in history. But definitely, Morocco are among the favourites.
“You have Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Egypt, South Africa – it will not be easy. But Morocco have a big chance to win this trophy.”
Morocco also boast the reigning CAF Footballer of the Year in Achraf Hakimi, the PSG star. Although Hakimi arrived at the tournament carrying an injury, his absence has not hindered the hosts, who comfortably booked their place in the round of 16.
Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi have been the main sources of goals, each scoring three times in three matches.
Morocco will face Tanzania in the knockout stages on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, in front of a capacity crowd of 69,500.
As the hosts attempt to win the AFCON for the first time in 50 years, Ouaddou knows how close glory can be. He narrowly missed out on the title in 2004 when Morocco were beaten by Tunisia in the final.
The 47-year-old was part of a talented squad that included current national team coach Walid Regragui, Talal El Karkouri, Youssouf Hadji and former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh.
Ouaddou admits the pain of that defeat still lingers.
“My only good memory is that I was named among the best XI of the tournament in 2004,” he said.
“But every time I remember that moment, it breaks my heart because we had an incredible team. We played fantastic football and deserved to win. Congratulations to Tunisia – they were a very tactical and well-organised side. We lost that final on small details.
“But I am proud that I was part of the best XI at the tournament.”
