Ex-Morocco Coach Halilhodžić Tips Atlas Lions for AFCON Glory Despite Lingering Dismissal Resentment

The Atlas Lions are not the only teams the Bosnian coach sees as possible winners of the trophy. He also bets on the teams of Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and the host country’s team.

Halilhodžić, in statements to the Egyptian satellite channel "El Hayat", confirmed that the teams of Nigeria and Cameroon could also win the title.

However, Halilhodžić refrained from any comment on Morocco’s recent performances, particularly their impressive run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar. "I don’t want to talk about the Moroccan team," he said.

The former coach of the Moroccan national team has never digested his dismissal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and his replacement by Walid Regragui just a few weeks before the start of the World Cup in Qatar. His relations with certain players, notably Hakim Ziyech, precipitated his departure. The aftermath? A very good run for the Atlas Lions with a place in the semi-finals.