The moment of truth is approaching for Walid Regragui and his men. On Sunday evening, the Mohammed VI complex hosted the last training session before the decisive clash against Zambia. A preparation under the watchful eye of the Federation’s president, Fouzi Lekjaa, but without the captain Romain Saïss, who remained on the sidelines of the group.
The challenge is immense and Moses Sichone is aware of it. On the eve of the decisive clash against the Atlas Lions for the third round of the CAN , the Zambian coach has played the card of frankness and admiration. While he fears the atmosphere in Rabat and the Moroccan power, he has not spared praise for the Kingdom’s infrastructure, which he considers worthy of European standards.
On the eve of the decisive match against Zambia, Achraf Hakimi took the opportunity of the press conference to send a firm message to Moroccan supporters . Annoyed by the whistles heard at the Moulay Abdellah complex despite the group’s first place, the PSG full-back pleaded for sacred unity, even daring a bold parallel with the European triumph of his club.
Who would have thought it 10 years ago? Considered a continental "pariah" following the 2015 AFCON affair, Morocco has now become the center of gravity of African and global football. Between royal vision, diplomatic soft power and accelerated modernization, the Kingdom has transformed a major crisis into a spectacular success.
The draw against Mali (1-1) left supporters unsatisfied. However, if we look at the recent history of the national teams, this misstep in the second group stage match strangely resembles a rite of passage. Often synonymous with a rude awakening, this scenario has in the past paved the way for historic triumphs... with one exception.
The atmosphere was electric at the Moulay Al-Hassan stadium in Rabat on Wednesday. While the Fennecs shone on the field by crushing Sudan (3-0), their Algerian supporters had to fight a completely different battle behind the scenes to reach the stands. Between diplomatic rupture, closed borders and new electronic visa requirements, the journey to the Kingdom has taken on the appearance of an odyssey.
The draw against Mali (1-1) has postponed the official qualification of the Atlas Lions for the round of 16. While the ticket for the next round is "very likely" secured, the main issue of Monday’s match against Zambia remains the first place in the group, which is strategic for the rest of the competition.
No more laxity in the face of piracy of matches and films ? As the Kingdom vibrates to the rhythm of the 2025 CAN and prepares for the 2030 World Cup, the authorities in Rabat have adopted a national roadmap to clean up the sector. The objective is to secure broadcasting rights in the face of a threat that has become industrial.
Mixed evening in Rabat. Held in check by Mali (1-1) this Friday, the Atlas Lions will have to wait to validate their ticket for the round of 16. If the penalty converted by Brahim Diaz was not enough to seal the victory, Walid Regragui prefers to be positive, seeing in this "trap match" a necessary lesson for the future.
Watch out for the bill! While the fervor of AFCON 2025 is in full swing, many Moroccan supporters, especially in Casablanca, are disappointed when it comes to paying the bill in cafes . The Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection is sounding the alarm over practices deemed abusive.
This is the night of all hopes for Moroccan supporters. This Friday, December 26, the Atlas Lions face Mali at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat (9pm). The stakes are high: a win and Morocco goes straight to the round of 16 of its CAN, without waiting for the last match.
It’s crunch time for the Atlas Lions. Just hours before the decisive kick-off against Mali this Friday in Rabat (9pm), the final training session has revealed its last secrets. Between the return of a striker and the isolation of the captain, Walid Regragui must make a decision.