Morocco ´aiming to write history´ after reaching AFCON semis, says Regragui

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui says his team are “aiming to write history” after reaching the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004.

The hosts secured their place in the final four after a 2-0 win over Cameroon, with Brahim Diaz scoring yet again before Ismael Saimari secured the win in the second half.

The last time Morocco reached the semi-finals, 12 years ago, they went on to lose to Tunisia in the showpiece, with their only triumph at the AFCON coming back in 1976.

And, Morocco have won four of their five matches at the tournament (D1), their joint-highest tally in a single edition of the AFCON (also in 2004 and 1976).

The Atlas Lions will face either Algeria or Nigeria in the semis, and Regragui has high aspirations for the rest of the tournament.

“I want to thank the players and the fans,” he said. “It truly felt like we were playing with 12 players on the pitch.

“Qualifying for the semi-finals is well deserved, and the players earned it. Our players gave everything, and when they stay focused, things go well. I am very happy with what they showed.

“We must remain humble because every team wants to beat us, and we must respect all our opponents. Since 2004, Morocco had not reached the semi-finals, and now we are aiming to write history.”

For Cameroon, meanwhile, it was a disappointing finish to AFCON, and they have now lost two of their last three knockout matches at the tournament (W1), as many as in their previous nine (W4 D3).

They only managed five shots in the game, with none of those testing Yassine Bounou, as they accumulated just 0.4 expected goals (xG).

Cameroon have also conceded at least one goal in each of their last four AFCON knockout games (eight goals in total), their longest such run in the competition.

But head coach David Pagou remained optimistic for the future of the team as he believes there are positives to build on.

“I am proud of my players. We competed well against Morocco, and we leave the tournament with our heads held high,” he said.

“We faced some difficulties, but we came back well in the second half. The second goal we conceded decided the match.

“Overall, I am satisfied with the performance. We have a young and new squad, and the players deserve credit for their efforts for the Cameroonian people.

“There is a bright future for our young players, many of whom are playing in continental competition for the first time. We have learned many lessons and leave the tournament with a lot of positives.”