Amid mounting scrutiny over the host nation’s “unconvincing” path to the quarter-finals, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui held a fiery press conference today, Thursday, 8 January 2026, defending his tactical approach and calling for “humility” as his side prepares for a titanic clash against Cameroon.
Despite securing a place in the last eight, the Atlas Lions have faced unprecedented criticism from their own supporters, including audible jeers and boos at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium during their narrow 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Tanzania on Sunday.
Regragui, who led Morocco to a historic World Cup semi-final in 2022, was defiant in the face of local media accusations that his team is “overly cautious” and “nervous” on home soil.
“I know the Moroccan environment. People are not happy even when we win. I accept it, but remember: we haven’t won this trophy in 50 years. Humility is our only path,” Regragui stated.
He warned fans that winning a continental title is not a “stroll,” famously remarking: “It’s at the end of the dance that you pay the musicians. We are ready to suffer to bring this cup home.”
The coach confirmed a major setback with influential midfielder Azzedine Ounahi officially ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a training injury. Defensive pillar Sofyan Amrabat also remains a “major doubt” for Friday’s match.
The Road to the Quarter-Finals: Shaky but Standing
While the critics are vocal, the statistics show a team that, while not “breezing” through, remains undefeated and defensively solid.
| Match | Result | Key Event |
| vs. Comoros | 2-0 | Brahim Diaz opener; hard-fought victory. |
| vs. Mali | 1-1 | 19-match winning streak ended; fans’ frustration began. |
| vs. Zambia | 3-0 | El Kaabi brace; brief reprieve from criticism. |
| vs. Tanzania | 1-0 | Brahim Diaz 64′ winner; late penalty controversy (VAR ignored). |
Controversy: The Home Refereeing Allegation
Tension reached a boiling point following the Tanzania match, as the visitors were denied a stoppage-time penalty after a robust challenge by Adam Masina. Social media has been ablaze with accusations of home refereeing, a narrative Regragui dismissed as a distraction, noting that his own striker, Ayoub El Kaabi, was also denied a clear foul earlier in the match.
Next Stop: The Indomitable Lions (Jan 9)
Morocco now faces its toughest test yet: Cameroon. The fixture is steeped in history; when Morocco last hosted AFCON in 1988, it was Cameroon who knocked them out in the semi-finals.
Match Date: Friday, January 9, 2026.
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
The Stakes: A win would place Morocco in their first AFCON semi-final since 2004.
“Everyone says Morocco must win, or it’s a failure. That pressure is a responsibility we accept with pride, but we will not play ‘fantasy football’ just to please the crowd. We play to qualify.” – Walid Regragui.
