فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Walid Regragui, head coach of the Moroccan national team, confirmed that Morocco national football team’s 2–0 victory over Cameroon national football team on Friday evening in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 represents a historic milestone, while stressing that “the real work has not started yet.”
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Regragui explained that reaching the semifinals after a 22-year absence from the last four provides a significant morale boost, but he urged his players to remain focused, as the team is heading into another decisive and equally challenging match. He added that qualification was deserved, yet it remains only one step in a longer journey.
The national coach praised the competitive level of the Cameroonian team, noting that they imposed a strong tempo that forced the Moroccan players to make extra efforts, and stressing that Cameroon will continue to be a formidable force on the continent in the coming years.
Referring to the atmosphere at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Regragui highlighted the decisive role of the fans, describing them as the “12th player.” He noted that the first-half performance was among the best since the FIFA World Cup 2022, before the second half saw a more balanced contest amid Cameroonian attempts to get back into the game.
Regragui added that the Moroccan team “rose to the occasion like a big team,” considering that their current position in the competition reflects their natural continental stature. He then cautioned: “We are two matches away from the title, but we haven’t achieved anything yet. We move forward step by step, and we aim to make history.”
Regarding the identity of the semifinal opponent, the coach stressed that the technical staff does not favor any particular scenario. He explained that facing Algeria national football team would be a special derby, while a clash with Nigeria national football team would require a different approach, emphasizing the squad’s readiness for any possibility.
For his part, Ismael Saibari, who was named Man of the Match, expressed satisfaction with the team’s collective performance, stating that the match was physically and tactically demanding, but that the players were in a strong mental state. He noted that defensive discipline and clinical finishing were key to the win, adding that the focus is now fully on the semifinals with the aim of reaching the final.
It is worth noting that Morocco sealed their place in the semifinals after Brahim Díaz opened the scoring in the 26th minute, before Saibari doubled the lead in the 74th minute. The Atlas Lions now await the winner of the Nigeria–Algeria quarterfinal to secure a place in the continental final.
Source: Fes News Media
