Morocco head coach Walid Regragui believes the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be the most difficult edition to win in the tournament’s history.
The 35th edition of the continental showpiece kicked off last Sunday and will run until January 18, 2026, with 24 nations competing for the coveted trophy in Morocco.
The Atlas Lions made an encouraging start to their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Comoros, while Mali were held to a 1-1 draw by Zambia in their opening Group A fixture.
Speaking after Morocco’s win, Regragui stressed the level of competition and preparedness of teams at the tournament.
“It is going to be the most difficult AFCON to win in history. Every team is ready. We are in the best possible conditions, and everyone wants to win it,” he said.
“Whoever wins this one will deserve it even more than in previous years. The pitches are magnificent, the hotels are magnificent—everything is in place. We need to feel like we are at home, and the atmosphere in the stadium needs to be electric.”
Morocco will face Mali in their second Group A match on Friday night, with both sides chasing maximum points. A win for the hosts would secure qualification to the knockout stage with a game to spare.
