‘Anything less than the title would be considered a failure’ – Morocco head coach Walid Regragui

The Atlas Lions will undoubtedly be under immense pressure. After reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Morocco have probably been the best side on the African continent even though they disappointed in the 2023 AFCON after they were eliminated by South Africa in the Round 16th stage.

Walid Regragui was buoyant during the first pre-match conference of the AFCON 2025 on Saturday.

The Moroccan head coach who has fransformed the national team and was full of confidence when briefing the gathered press.

He revealed that without the title, they will be considered failure.

“Morocco are the clear favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations, and anything less than the title would be considered a failure” Walid said.

The head coach described his side as the clear favourites with many advising him not to be overconfident.

Ivory Coast hosted and won the last edition so Morocco can draw huge inspiration from it.

African Footballer of the Year and PSG’s flamboyant right back, Achraf Hakimi took things calm by recalling what transpired in the 2023 AFCON when South Africa shocked them.

“Morocco were shocked in the previous AFCON. We had no excuses about what happened, we were well prepared for Ivory Coast AFCON, we arrived in time, and we were unexpectedly humbled by South Africa.

“That defeat in AFCON game taught us a lesson. From that defeat we are unbeaten until today, the other lesson we learned from that defeat is that African countries have raw talent they can turn up any day and cause upset. But we are here to deliver the trophy to the people of Morocco”, Hakimi added.

Morocco have not lost any competitive game since the 2-0 defeat to Bafana Bafana in Ivory Coast.

They have won every single game in 2025 with Hakimi promising the nation the title.

Morocco will open the 2025 AFVON with a crucial game against minnows Comoros in Rabat on Sunday night.