Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has provided a detailed fitness update and addressed media concerns as the hosts prepare to face Cameroon in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter‑final this Friday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Speaking at a pre‑match press conference on Thursday, Regragui confirmed that forward Hamza Igamane has returned to full training and is available for selection after recovering from injury, giving the Atlas Lions a significant boost in attack.
“We have Hamza Igamane back,” Regragui said. “He could have returned in the last match, but the additional five days allowed us to confirm his readiness.”
However, Regragui sounded a note of caution regarding midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who continues to deal with an ankle issue. The coach said the decision on whether Amrabat will start or come off the bench will be made closer to kick‑off, reflecting a careful approach to player fitness.
The Morocco boss also offered positive news on the progress of captain Romain Saïss, stating that the defender is improving well in his recovery, which strengthens the team’s defensive options ahead of a physically demanding encounter with a powerful Cameroonian side.
Beyond squad fitness, Regragui addressed mounting criticism about limited player engagement with the media during the tournament, clarifying the reasons behind restricted access in the mixed zone.
“We accept criticism,” he said, emphasizing that players’ willingness to speak to journalists varies due to cultural, psychological factors, and language barriers. “Some players are comfortable speaking, others are not,” he explained, noting that mocking players for speaking in local dialects such as Darija can deter future engagement.
Regragui stressed that while the team strives to cooperate with media requirements, forcing players to speak is neither feasible nor constructive, especially when they may not be in the right mental state following intense matches.
The Moroccan coach’s comments come as media pressure intensifies around his side’s cautious tactical approach, with scrutiny increasing despite a strong run in the tournament.
Hosts Morocco advanced to the quarter‑finals after a slender 1–0 victory over Tanzania in the Round of 16, courtesy of a goal from Brahim Díaz, but the squad has faced criticism for its conservative style despite its results.
With fitness news largely positive and communication issues openly addressed, Regragui’s focus remains firmly on preparing his squad to navigate a challenging quarter‑final test against Cameroon — a side noted for its physicality and continental pedigree.
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