Morocco Coach Demands ‘Humility’ Against Tanzania

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has urged his players to remain grounded ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 clash against Tanzania, warning against complacency despite the hosts’ overwhelming favourite status.

Speaking on Saturday in Rabat ahead of the tie at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Regragui said Morocco must approach the tournament with humility, stressing that expectations should not distract the team from the task at hand.

He noted that many already view anything short of lifting the trophy as a failure, but reminded his players that Morocco has not won the AFCON in five decades.

“We need to be humble. For us in Morocco, for the coaching staff, and the players, this has to be the AFCON of humility,” Regragui told reporters Saturday on the eve of the match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the capital Rabat.

“Everyone says if Morocco don’t win the AFCON, it will be a failure, that if we don’t win easily, it is a failure.

“My job is to keep everyone’s feet on the ground and remind everyone that we haven’t won the AFCON for 50 years.”

Africa’s highest-ranked side, Morocco sit 11th in the FIFA rankings and carry the added pressure of home advantage after reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. With their last continental triumph dating back to 1976, the hosts are widely expected to overcome Tanzania, who are ranked 112th globally.

However, Regragui insisted there are no easy matches at this stage of the competition.

He said Tanzania deserve respect, pointing to the strength of their domestic clubs, Simba and Young Africans, and their growing pool of young talent.

He hinted that knockout games are unpredictable, regardless of the crowd support expected from nearly 68,000 fans.

Tanzania have reached the AFCON knockout rounds for the first time in their history at the current tournament, advancing as one of the best third-placed teams despite never having won a match at the finals. Their campaign included a narrow defeat to Nigeria and draws against Uganda and Tunisia.

Taifa Stars coach Miguel Angel Gamondi said facing the host nation was a special challenge, noting that his players were fully motivated.

The Argentine said the team had come determined to give their best and push for a positive result.

Tanzania will co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda.