Morocco Seeks High-Profile Friendlies to Rebound After AFCON Disappointment

The Atlas Lions are turning the page on their disappointing participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN Côte d’Ivoire 2024). Their coach Walid Regragui has asked to organize friendly matches against international teams as part of the preparation for the next deadlines, in particular the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations that Morocco will host in 2025. Already, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has engaged in negotiations with several European and South American federations to schedule two friendly matches for the Atlas Lions in March next, in France or Spain, reports the newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, adding that the governing body of Moroccan football has also received invitations from several international teams wishing to face Morocco on one of the FIFA dates, whether in Morocco or abroad.

The FRMF plans to take advantage of the next international break. Officials of the federation have thus contacted the Turkish Football Federation to organize a friendly match between the Moroccan and Turkish national teams on March 16 or 23.

Walid Regragui will soon embark on a European tour to prepare the list of players who must participate in the next matches of the Atlas Lions next month. He has in his sights Ryan Mmaee, the striker of Stoke City and the attacking midfielder of Real Madrid Brahim Diaz, etc.