فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a press conference marked by a strong sense of unity and determination, national team head coach Walid Regragui and Atlas Lions captain Achraf Hakimi shared the latest updates on the squad’s preparations for the clash against Zambia, in the third round of the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
Regragui: Our Goal Is Top Spot and Staying in Rabat
Walid Regragui stressed that although Morocco has logically secured qualification with four points, the team approaches the Zambia match with one clear objective: winning all three points to finish top of the group.
Regragui stated plainly: “Our main objective is to stay in Rabat. We don’t want to change our base, and that requires winning and topping the group.”
He also mentioned the possibility of rotating the squad to rest some players and prepare others—such as Noussair Mazraoui, who is now fit to play—while emphasizing his great respect for the fast and physically strong Zambian team.
Hakimi: I’m Ready… Thanks to Al-Khelaifi and PSG
For his part, star defender Achraf Hakimi reassured Moroccan fans about his physical condition, confirming that he is fully fit and ready to help the team, whether as a starter or from the bench.
Hakimi extended special thanks to Paris Saint-Germain and its president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who allowed him to join the national team camp early to receive treatment—describing the move as “a classy gesture that not all clubs would make.”
A Message of “Care and Accountability” to the Fans
Speaking candidly, Hakimi delivered a powerful message to supporters and some media outlets, expressing his disappointment with the negative criticism directed at the team during the previous matches.
He said: “We need your positive support—you are our 12th player. Criticism hurts us because we are human, and we are here to fight for the title. Put criticism aside and stand behind us. With you, we can become African champions.”
Mbappé’s Visit: A Morale Boost
Regarding the visit of his close friend, French star Kylian Mbappé, Hakimi expressed his happiness with the show of support, noting that Mbappé loves Morocco, is enjoying his time here, and sees the Atlas Lions as strong contenders for the continental title.
One Message: Winning Mentality
Regragui and Hakimi concluded the press conference by reaffirming the high collective spirit within the squad, stressing that the “new Morocco” plays with a winning mentality—and nothing else.
