Morocco Coach Regragui Confident Ahead of World Cup Qualifier Against Zambia

Walid Regragui is reassuring. "This is an important match. We have to stay at the top of the group. We are complete and we have no injury concerns. We have gotten used to Agadir and we know that the supporters will be numerous tomorrow. We know Zambia well, because we just faced them at the CAN," he assured on Thursday at the press conference. With three points, Morocco (1 match played) is the leader of Group E, tied with Tanzania, Zambia and Niger (2 matches played each). Congo is last with 0 points (1 match played).

To win the match against Zambia, the coach of the Atlas Lions is counting in particular on the strengthening of the offensive animation. "We can do better in terms of offensive animation. The most important thing is to create chances. In the last two matches, we had new players like Diaz and Ben Seghir, who need time. It’s not an excuse, but an explanation. It’s up to me to find the solution. Maybe a problem of confidence, but that doesn’t worry me," he estimated, before displaying his determination. His ambition is to obtain a third consecutive qualification for the World Cup. "Any home game must be won. The main thing is to qualify for the World Cup. Obtaining this third consecutive qualification would be historic. We have to get used to it by 2030. There is never an easy match, so we will respect Zambia," he added.

During this pre-match press conference, Walid Regragui also commented on the absence of Noussair Mazraoui and Amir Richardson. "Noussair wanted to make the pilgrimage. I put him on the list knowing that he might not come. Out of respect for the other players, I preferred to count on those who are present. It’s a personal choice that we respect. Good luck to him, may he pray for us. Amir has a family issue. We have to respect that, as was the case for Amine Adli. They will not be replaced, except in case of injuries tomorrow," he explained.