فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui said on Thursday in Rabat that the highly anticipated quarterfinal between Morocco and Cameroon, scheduled for Friday evening, will be decided by fine margins, given the stature and continental pedigree of both teams.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Regragui described the fixture as an African classic in every sense, noting that Cameroon national football team remains one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses in both the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup. He expressed hope that the encounter would showcase African football in a positive light.
The Morocco coach stressed that confidence and mental readiness will be decisive at this advanced stage of the competition, warning that even the smallest mistake could prove costly. He added that the battle in midfield may play a central role in shaping the course of the match.
Addressing the motivational aspect, Regragui said Cameroon will approach the game with strong determination, particularly after missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup. This, he noted, requires the Morocco national football team—the Atlas Lions—to compete with maximum focus and humility, despite recent positive results.
On the psychological front, Regragui acknowledged the pressure that accompanies such fixtures, emphasizing that embracing responsibility is essential. He also highlighted the importance of home support, describing the fans as a key pillar in sustaining momentum toward the continental title.
Regragui confirmed that the technical staff is maintaining the same approach, expressing confidence in the current squad and underlining the importance of players’ mental sharpness. He praised the performances of midfielders Bilal El Khannouss, Ismaël Saibari, and Neil El Aynaoui.
Regarding fitness updates, the coach announced the full recovery of striker Hamza Igamane, who is now available for selection. Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, however, is still dealing with an ankle injury, with the medical staff working to accelerate his recovery.
For his part, Hamza Igamane said he is fully ready for the challenge, acknowledging that Cameroon will be a tough opponent. He stressed that the collective objective remains qualification for the semifinals, regardless of whether he starts the match.
The quarterfinal of the Africa Cup of Nations will be played at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah on Friday, with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m.
Cameroon reached this stage after defeating South Africa 2–1, while Morocco advanced by edging Tanzania 1–0.
Source: Fes News Media
