Walid Regragui cuts short the rumors and puts pressure on

"We will try to qualify as early as Friday." The message is clear. After a successful start against the Comoros, the boss of the Atlas Lions wants to continue against an opponent he deeply respects. Expecting a "fraternal but difficult match" against the fast and technical Malian Eagles, Regragui fully assumes the pressure on the host country: "We are satisfied and we assume it."

The coach took advantage of this press conference to dispel the uncertainty around his defense. "Nayef Aguerd has never had anything," he said firmly, putting an end to the speculation. On the other hand, captain Romain Saïss is suffering from a "small strain" and is continuing his recovery, remaining the only real question mark. For the rest, the group is complete, including Achraf Hakimi, ready for the battle.

Present alongside his coach, the young defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal was showered with praise. Regragui sees him as a "gem for the future" and does not rule out using him right away, while advocating caution to avoid "burning" him. Visibly moved, the player expressed his pride in being part of this adventure: "It is a great honor, we are aware of the responsibility that falls to us."

When asked about the difficulties against low blocks, Regragui recalled his flawless record: a series of 19 consecutive victories. His strategy remains that of wearing down the opponent, relying on players capable of changing the course of the match and on an Azzedine Ounahi whom he describes as a "metronome", a player "transformed" and transcended by the national jersey.