Walid Regragui takes aim at a portion of Moroccan supporters

This is the moment of truth. This Saturday, at the Moulay Abdellah complex, the national coach has set the stage: "We are coming to win." After two years of preparation, Morocco wants to capitalize on the World Cup and offer an unforgettable celebration to the country. "This is the new Morocco. His Majesty has built a new Morocco and has given us the motivation," hammered Regragui, aware that the expectation is immense for this home AFCON.

The question on everyone’s lips was: will the captain be on the pitch tomorrow evening? Present at the press conference, the PSG full-back reassured about his state of mind, claiming to have "sacrificed" himself for a month to recover from his ankle. "I feel ready," he said.

Walid Regragui, for his part, is playing the card of strategic caution. If the care protocol is a success, the coach has not yet decided: "He can start as he may not start. We’ll see if we protect him for the upcoming deadlines." An uncertainty that adds to the withdrawals and injuries (Igamane, Amrabat) that have forced the staff to develop "Plan Bs."

The Moroccan technician took advantage of this platform to deliver a firm and unexpected tackle at a certain category of the public. Regragui does not want a muffled atmosphere for the opening match. "Those who come for the photos and the canapés at half-time, we don’t need their presence," he cut sharply. The message is clear: he is calling for rabid supporters, a cauldron atmosphere "like at Wydad," to push the team against the Comoros.

The appointment is set for this Sunday at 8pm. In a tough Group A (with Mali and Zambia), Morocco cannot afford to make mistakes at the start.