Morocco’s Imran Louza Blames Former Coach for Costly AFCON Decision

During the decisive match that saw Morocco’s elimination in the quarter-finals against Egypt at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Louza made a controversial pass, which he now attributes to an order from former coach Vahid Halilhodžić. Despite his doubts, he executed the pass, a decision that still weighs on him.

"I still remember Halilhodžić... He was behind me and shouting, asking me to pass to Achraf Hakimi. This has remained etched in my mind and I made the pass even though it was not the best option," he said.

"Today, I am being blamed, I want to clarify this situation, because it is very important," added the Watford FC player. "When I went into the locker room after the match, I started wondering: why did I make this pass?"

Imran Louza is not on the list that Walid Regragui published in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.