AFCON: Morocco coach Regragui admits pressure ahead of Cameroon date

Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui has admitted the players are feeling the pressure from fans ahead of their quarterfinal fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations against Cameroon on Friday.

The Indomitable Lions will host the Atlas Lions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat with all eyes on the semifinals ticket. This will be the fourth meeting between the sides at the AFCON finals, with Cameroon undefeated against Morocco at AFCON following two wins, and one draw.

Morocco have been under pressure from their fans following their recent performances, especially the Round of 16 fixture against Tanzania. During the game, the hosts were forced to wait until the 64th minute to score what turned out to be the winner.

Morocco must live up with pressure

“We are still thinking the same way and have confidence in what we are doing,” Regragui told reporters as quoted by Flashscore. “The players feel it, and we know we have to live up to it. The most important thing is that the fans continue to support us.

“We have the humility to believe that we can win this Cup of Nations. It’s a tournament ⁠that requires staying grounded, even if people do not want to understand that.”

On facing Cameroon in the eight, he said: “This will be a clash that will reverberate around the ⁠continent. Cameroon needs no introduction. We know it’s going to be tough again.”

Their first AFCON meeting in 1986 ended 1-1 in the Group Stages, with Abdelkrim Krimau putting Morocco ahead in the 63rd minute before Roger Milla equalised in the 89th minute. Both teams progressed from Group B.

Cameroon eliminated hosts Morocco in the 1988 semifinals, with Cyril Makanaky scoring the only goal in the 78th minute.

They met for a third time at AFCON in 1992, with Cameroon defeating Morocco 1-0 in their opening Group B match as André Kana-Biyik scored in the 23rd minute.