Morocco’s Regragui reveals biggest disappointment after AFCON exit

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has revealed his biggest disappointments following their elimination by South Africa from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Atlas Lions, the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, were one of the pre-tournament favourites, but were eliminated following another upset in Ivory Coast.

It was Bafana Bafana who took the lead in the 57th minute when Evidence Makgopa found the back of the net to stun the Lions.

The North Africans had a chance to equalise in the 83rd minute when Teboho Mokoena attempted to clear the ball and handled it in the process.

After a VAR review, Morocco were given a chance to restore parity, but Achraf Hakimi hit the crossbar with his spot-kick shot.

The Lions were reduced to ten men when Sofyan Amrabat was red-carded after his challenge on Mokoena. The Manchester United midfielder was booked for the second time and had to be sent off, adding more advantage to Bafana Bafana.

The COSAFA nation added the second goal when Mokoena brilliantly struck a set-piece that beat Morocco’s wall and goalkeeper.

Regragui disappointed

In the end, Regragui, whose reign has been seen as more ambitious, especially with the World Cup adventures, revealed why the elimination was a big disappointment for him.

“We fought until the end with our weapons. I am disappointed for our supporters, who deserved much better.

“Personally, I felt we were capable of bringing this cup home. But that didn’t happen. I hope my players will learn, especially the younger ones,” Regragui said.

On his part, South Africa’s Hugo Broos revealed how they managed to outdo the Atlas Lions and progress to the next AFCON stage.

“In the first half, we tried to contain them and cut off their passing lines. In the second, the game opened up, and we scored.

“We knew that whoever scored first in the match would have a big advantage,” the AFCON-winning coach said.

On Saturday, South Africa will face Cape Verde in the quarterfinal.