Morocco’s CHAN Heroes Catch Regragui’s Eye for National Team

"There are players with whom I have already worked at Fath Union Sport in Rabat and whose abilities I know well. The brilliance of a group of names at the CHAN is in the interest of the first team, as it broadens the base of choices and strengthens the spirit of competition," said Walid Regragui during a press conference held last Thursday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, dedicated to the announcement of the list of players called up for the two matches that the national team will play against their counterparts from Niger on September 5 in Rabat and Zambia on September 8 in Lusaka.

The coach of the Moroccan team was particularly impressed by the performances of local players such as Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, Anas Bach, Marouane El Ouadni, Oussama Lamlioui and Sabir Bougrine. They shone during the competition and received several individual distinctions. The captain of the selection, Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, won the award for best player of the tournament. He scored two goals and provided two assists. His teammate Oussama Lamlioui, a striker for the selection, was crowned top scorer after scoring six goals, including two decisive ones in the final against Madagascar.

The Raja player, Sabir Bougrine, obtained a score of 8.5 in a match, thanks to his active presence in midfield. Anas Bach consolidated his place in the starting eleven for four consecutive matches. Mohamed Boulacsout was brilliant in the match against Congo, while Marouane Louadni confirmed his defensive solidity. Regragui assures that the technical staff follows all the players without exception. Integration into the first team requires continuous work and total availability, and "the right moment" will be decisive to call up these elements, he stressed.