Morocco’s Saturday fixture against the Central African Republic is an opportunity for the team to refine its tactics and strategy as we prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, Walid Regragui, the national team’s head coach said during a press conference on Friday.
Speaking at the Honor Stadium in Oujda, Regragui said that it is important to approach every match with respect for the opponent, whomever it may be.
Having led Morocco to a historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the head coach is now focused on building a team that can deliver a strong performance on home soil at the next AFCON.
While Morocco heads into the match against the Central African Republic without a full squad due to injuries, Regragui remains optimistic about the depth of talent available.
“We would have liked to have the full squad available, but such things happen. We’re not afraid of absentees anymore, and this game gives me a chance to test new defensive setups,” he explained.
One key absence is Bayern Munich left-back Noussair Mazraoui, sidelined due to an arrhythmia. However, Regragui reassured fans that Mazraoui’s condition is non-critical and he is expected to return in November.
In the meantime, Youssef Belammari will get the nod to step in, a player the coach holds in high regard.
“Youssef is a very intelligent player who adapts quickly. I know his mentality and his style of play,” he said. ” In my mind, there’s Mazraoui, then Aznou. Belammari might bring us some technical quality.”
The coach also hinted at potential surprises, noting how players like Yahya Attiat-Allah impressed during the World Cup. “We might get some nice surprises in this position, as we did with Attiat-Allah during the World Cup.”
Beyond the tactical adjustments, Regragui is also focused on developing Morocco’s next generation of players, particularly goalkeepers, as he looks for young talent to potentially step up in the future.
“We’re looking for a young goalkeeper with great potential, even though Munir and Yassine are in good form. It’s not easy to introduce a 16 or 17-year-old goalkeeper. But it’s something we’re working on,” he said.