Morocco Boss Regragui Calls for Composure as Team Advances to AFCON Semi Finals

Morocco manager Walid Regragui praised a landmark success as his squad progressed to the semi finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, yet cautioned that the home nation has still not accomplished their primary goal in the event.

We must continue progressing match by match. Nothing substantial has been secured so far, Regragui emphasised following the Atlas Lions 2 0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter final in Rabat, with strikes from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari bookending the break.

The 2022 World Cup semi finalists Morocco established dominance through an excellent opening 45 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, and Cameroon struggled to mount a comeback after Diazs effort in the 26th minute.

It marked our strongest first half display since the World Cup, featuring high pressing and vigour, Regragui noted.

I believe we merited the triumph, although the play balanced somewhat after the interval.

Morocco have qualified for the last four of the Nations Cup for the first occasion since 2004, when they fell to Tunisia in the decider with Regragui featuring on the pitch.

This is monumental. Moroccan supporters have not witnessed their national side in an AFCON semi final for 22 years, the manager stated.

They warrant this milestone, but we must remain grounded and elevate it further.

Regragui also commended Diaz, the Real Madrid forward who has netted five times across five outings in the competition.

He serves as the key spark in my lineup. His contributions have been outstanding, finding the net in each fixture. This evening, he inspired the group through his relentless running and battling.

Cameroons five time title holders exit the tournament, but their manager David Pagou, installed just before the kick off, voiced satisfaction with his charges.

We take pride in the players efforts, as they delivered immense joy to Cameroonians, which was our objective, he remarked.

Our intention was to advance deeply, yet this squad is developing, and countless Cameroonians will depart content.

From my perspective as manager, I will cherish numerous positives from this endeavour.