Rabat\u2014Walid 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.<\/p>\n
Speaking in Rabat the day before the match, the Atlas Lions\u2019 head coach emphasized that previous results become irrelevant once the tournament reaches the elimination rounds. \u201cWe are entering a new competition now. There is no room for choice anymore,\u201d Regragui said. \u201cWe know Tanzania well, and it will be a difficult match. We must approach it with humility and respect.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cWe try to control strong and weak moments,\u201d he noted. \u201cAs the competition progresses, we will face teams that can resist pressure. We have to be intelligent.\u201d<\/p>\n
The coach also highlighted the evolution of Brahim D\u00edaz, who has been one of Morocco\u2019s standout performers at the tournament. Regragui said the Real Madrid midfielder now looks fully adapted to the demands of African football. \u201cHe is more effective, closer to the box, and quicker in his decisions,\u201d he explained. \u201cWhat matters to me is that danger comes from everywhere in this team.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018The AFCON of humility\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, he described Tanzania as a serious threat rather than an underdog. Regragui reminded the media that hosting the tournament does not guarantee success. \u201cThis is the AFCON of humility,\u201d he said. \u201cWe haven\u2019t won this competition for 50 years. There are no easy teams, especially in a knockout match.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cHe is available,\u201d the coach said. \u201cIt\u2019s now my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also addressed the return of Hamza Igamane, praising the medical staff for their work while keeping his plans deliberately open. \u201cHe has trained well and is coming back at the right time. Whether he starts or comes on later will depend on several factors.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cThe key is to do the job so we don\u2019t get there,\u201d he said. \u201cBut if we do, we must face it with confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vice-captain Romain Sa\u00efss who also spoke to the media, echoed his coach\u2019s message, insisting the group is fully focused on the task ahead. \u201cWe\u2019ve passed the first stage, and now it\u2019s a new competition,\u201d Sa\u00efss said. \u201cWe are taking it one match at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n