Morocco’s shocking exit from AFCON 2023: Coach Regragui takes responsibility for disappointment
Morocco, the frontrunner for the title, suffered a significant setback as the Atlas Lions were eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by South Africa with a 2-0 score on Tuesday night. Coach Walid Regragui took full responsibility for this underwhelming performance.
Surprises continue to unfold in the Africa Cup of Nations, with South Africa causing a major upset by eliminating Morocco through a 2-0 victory at the Laurent-Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.
For the Moroccans, who had seen the tournament landscape clear with the eliminations of several favorites, this is a massive disappointment, especially considering their dominance in the match.
«When we look at the situations towards the end, how we let go… It’s not in line with our team’s image. We made mistakes that are not characteristic of us. We cannot afford to miss so many opportunities», expressed Walid Regragui in a press conference.
«I take responsibility for this, my choices, everything that happened. We will reflect and carefully consider what we didn’t do well to correct it and come back stronger. It’s a group where there are many young players who will learn from this competition», he insisted.
Walid Regragui also addressed the future of his career, saying, «I had said it. Morocco had to reach the semi-finals. So I will sit down with my president, and we will have a good discussion. I, in any case, never hide. We will take our responsibilities, and I will take mine. I have failed, so it’s necessary to assume it ».
