Morocco Coach Regragui Addresses Team’s Strengths and Challenges After 4-1 Victory Over Gabon

"The essential thing was to take the three points," Regragui recalled, while acknowledging the quality of the game played and the beautiful goals scored. The coach, however, pointed to the lack of offensive realism of his team, which wasted many opportunities to increase the score. "This is an aspect on which we must work," he hammered.

This offensive option has certainly paid off, but it has also exposed some defensive weaknesses. "We must learn to defend well even when we play the attack," Regragui insisted. "It’s normal to have some difficulties, we’re playing with a new configuration."

Regragui also justified his tactical choices, notably the positioning of Achraf Hakimi on the left side. "Noussair Mazraoui is more comfortable on the right, while Hakimi admitted not being totally comfortable on the left," the coach explained.

"This is an important victory that allows us to get off to a good start in these qualifiers. The players showed nice things, but there is still work to be done," Regragui said in a press conference. "We missed a lot of chances, it’s a point on which we must improve. In addition, the transition from defense to attack still needs to be optimized."

Regragui finally brushed aside the rumors of tensions between Hakim Ziyech and Brahim Diaz, confirming that the former remains the number one penalty taker. He praised Ziyech’s passing qualities, which offer delicacies to others, and defended his role as captain.

Despite these caveats, the coach was keen to salute the overall performance of his players. "I see positive aspects that others don’t see," he said, recalling that these matches also serve to test new strategies for the 2025 CAN, which Morocco will host.

With this victory, Morocco takes the lead in Group B, tied on points with the Central African Republic. The Atlas Lions, already qualified as host country, will face Lesotho next Monday.