Walid Regragui, head coach of Morocco has insisted that his team isn’t the favourite against South Africa.
The Atlas Lions will neck-it-down with South Africa in the round of 16 on Tuesday at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pédro.
“The knockout stage is a new tournament. Any bad result will send us home. We have experience in the knockout stages after our outstanding performance in the 2022 World Cup," Regragui said in his pre-match press conference.
“I don’t want to talk about the past. Everyone knows Morocco’s history in the AFCON. Every edition is tough for us despite our efforts to win the title.
“We respect South Africa because they are the only team that defeated us after the World Cup. We are not the favorite to qualify after seeing the surprises in this edition.
“Sofiane Boufal’s journey in the Africa Cup of Nations has ended unless there is a miracle, due to his muscle injury.
“Hakim Ziyech’s eligibility for the South Africa match? We will try with him until the last moment to play, but if I say that we won’t take risks with him, it would be disrespectful to South Africa.
“Despite the criticisms I received regarding calling up Noussair Mazraoui, thankfully, he can play. I can’t say whether he will start or sit on the bench, but overall, the player is ready.
“Facing South Africa won’t be easy, yes, we respect them but without any fear.
“We must be humble, and I believe we are on the right path. We came to Ivory Coast to win the title," he concluded.
By: Pascal Amoah
