Regragui: "We Did Everything to Play Against Argentina... Mozambique and Uganda are AFCON Qualifiers and Facing Them is a Good Option for Us"

Walid Regragui, head coach of the Moroccan national team, affirmed that the selection of friendly matches for the "Atlas Lions" is not random but subject to precise technical and strategic considerations.

Regragui explained during a press conference held this Friday morning: "Regarding friendly matches, you always have a pre-determined schedule, but due to the draw and qualifiers, we have four strong teams in Africa like Cameroon, Nigeria, and DR Congo, who will play their qualifiers here in Rabat. We didn't know who would finish second and play in the World Cup playoffs."

He added: "There are also strong teams we have played against in Africa, such as Côte d'Ivoire and Tunisia, and when you look at the schedule and available players, the options become more difficult." Regragui continued: "We did everything possible to play against Argentina as a first option, and then an African team, but in the end, the choice fell on two African teams: Mozambique and Uganda."

The national coach highlighted the importance of respecting all teams participating in the Africa Cup of Nations: "Mozambique and Uganda are two teams that have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, and when you qualify for AFCON, a minimum level of respect is required. Let's not forget that at one point, we were fighting to secure qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations. Therefore, facing two qualified teams is considered a good option for us."