Morocco: Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui stated on Thursday that the quarterfinals fixture will be a real battle between two giants, as Cameroon will face tournament hosts on Friday at 8.00 p.m. “This is a continental clash. Whether in the AFCON or the World Cup, Cameroon has always been a major nation representing Africa. We hope to show a strong face of African football,” Regragui said during the pre-match press conference.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, at this stage of the competition, Regragui emphasized that confidence and mentality are crucial, warning that even the smallest mistake can be costly. He noted that the midfield battle will be particularly important. Regragui expressed confidence in Morocco’s recent successes against Cameroon, both as a coach and a former player. He acknowledged the strong motivation of the Cameroonian team, especially after their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The national coach also touched upon the pressure faced by the team, emphasizing the importance of public support and maintaining humility to believe in winning the CAN. He highlighted the significance of the team’s mentality and praised the quality of midfield players such as Bilal El Khannous, Ismael Saibari, and Neil El Ainaoui.

Regarding the team’s injury situation, Regragui announced the recovery of striker Hamza Igamane, who is now fully fit. However, midfielder Sofyane Amrabat is still dealing with an ankle injury, and the medical staff is working hard to facilitate his quick recovery.

Hamza Igamane expressed gratitude to the medical staff for his recovery and stated his readiness to contribute to the team, regardless of whether he starts the match. The primary goal, he emphasized, is to reach the semifinals.

The upcoming Morocco vs. Cameroon match will be held on Friday at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat at 8:00 p.m. Cameroon advanced to the CAN quarterfinals by defeating South Africa (2-1), while Morocco secured its spot after a victory over Tanzania (1-0).