Rabat—Walid Regragui adopted a calm and firm demeanor on Saturday as Morocco finalized their preparations for the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 match against Tanzania, warning that the knockout stage introduces an entirely new challenge.

Speaking in Rabat the day before the match, the Atlas Lions’ head coach emphasized that previous results become irrelevant once the tournament reaches the elimination rounds. “We are entering a new competition now. There is no room for choice anymore,” Regragui said. “We know Tanzania well, and it will be a difficult match. We must approach it with humility and respect.”

Regragui rejected claims that Morocco has been playing passively, clarifying that his team focuses on managing the flow and momentum of the game rather than simply waiting for their opponents to make mistakes. “We try to control strong and weak moments,” he noted. “As the competition progresses, we will face teams that can resist pressure. We have to be intelligent.”

The coach also highlighted the evolution of Brahim Díaz, who has been one of Morocco’s standout performers at the tournament. Regragui said the Real Madrid midfielder now looks fully adapted to the demands of African football. “He is more effective, closer to the box, and quicker in his decisions,” he explained. “What matters to me is that danger comes from everywhere in this team.”

‘The AFCON of humility’ 

Meanwhile, he described Tanzania as a serious threat rather than an underdog. Regragui reminded the media that hosting the tournament does not guarantee success. “This is the AFCON of humility,” he said. “We haven’t won this competition for 50 years. There are no easy teams, especially in a knockout match.”

Regarding squad selection for this decisive round of the continental tournament , Regragui confirmed that Achraf Hakimi is now physically ready after being carefully managed earlier in the tournament. “He is available,” the coach said. “It’s now my decision.”

He also addressed the return of Hamza Igamane, praising the medical staff for their work while keeping his plans deliberately open. “He has trained well and is coming back at the right time. Whether he starts or comes on later will depend on several factors.”

With knockout football often decided by narrow margins, Regragui recognized the need of practicing penalties but maintained that Morocco remains focused on securing a win during normal time. “The key is to do the job so we don’t get there,” he said. “But if we do, we must face it with confidence.”

Vice-captain Romain Saïss who also spoke to the media, echoed his coach’s message, insisting the group is fully focused on the task ahead. “We’ve passed the first stage, and now it’s a new competition,” Saïss said. “We are taking it one match at a time.”

Morocco will hold their final training session later on Saturday before facing Tanzania, with a place in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals on the line.

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