Oujda: Morocco’s national head coach Walid Regragui said, on Friday in Oujda, that the national team’s victory over Niger will serve as a crucial learning experience as they prepare for both the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Regragui highlighted the importance of the match, stating, ‘The goal we conceded was a wake-up call, reminding us of the challenges ahead. It helped us react well in the final 30 minutes, showing great spirit,’ during his post-match press conference following Morocco’s win on Matchday 5 of Group E. He praised the team’s efforts and the impact of his tactical adjustments, describing the victory as well-earned.

With the AFCON on the horizon, Regragui hinted at potential changes within the Moroccan squad, emphasizing that ‘Nothing is set in stone. When players impress, they create competition, and that gives us more options,’ which underscores the depth at his disposal. He described such matches as stepping stones for deve
lopment, noting that every team aims to defeat Morocco, thus making the games challenging yet beneficial.

Meanwhile, Niger’s Moroccan head coach, Badou Zaki, remarked on his team’s performance against Morocco. He acknowledged the lack of freshness in his squad, despite their efforts against what he called ‘the best team in Africa.’ Zaki appreciated his players’ dedication but noted that they lacked the physical sharpness needed to capitalize on their efforts. Nonetheless, he emphasized the value of competing against a dynamic team like Morocco, considering it a beneficial test.

Morocco’s victory marks their fourth consecutive win, strengthening their lead in Group E with 12 points, six points ahead of both Niger and Tanzania. Zambia trails in fourth place with three points. The Atlas Lions are set to host Tanzania in Oujda on Tuesday at 21:30 (local time) as they continue their pursuit of World Cup qualification.