Forgotten are the grudges from the draw against Mali. This Monday, as Morocco plays its first place against Zambia, the public has decided to silence its doubts to rally behind Walid Regragui and his players. It is time for a general mobilization to push the national team towards the crown.
It’s crunch time for the group stage. This Monday, December 29, the Atlas Lions return to the Moulay Abdellah complex pitch in Rabat to face Zambia . After a setback against Mali, Walid Regragui’s men must absolutely win to reassure their fans and secure their first place. Here’s everything you need to know to not miss this match, including the broadcast channels.
Would the African football festival be spoiled? This is the firm opinion of Hugo Broos . The coach of South Africa, a respected figure on the continent after his triumph with Cameroon in 2017, has strongly criticized the atmosphere surrounding the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. A few hours before his decisive match against Zimbabwe, the Belgian technician deplores a lack of popular fervor and a chaotic management of ticketing.
It’s a big night for the Atlas Lions. This Monday at 8pm, the national team will face Zambia at the Moulay Abdellah complex with a clear mission: validate the first place in Group A. After a final training session on Sunday evening marked by general optimism but also by the cautious management of Saïss’ case, the players are calling on the public to transform the stadium into a cauldron for this last test of the group stage.
The moment of truth is approaching for Walid Regragui and his men. On Sunday evening, the Mohammed VI complex hosted the last training session before the decisive clash against Zambia. A preparation under the watchful eye of the Federation’s president, Fouzi Lekjaa, but without the captain Romain Saïss, who remained on the sidelines of the group.
The challenge is immense and Moses Sichone is aware of it. On the eve of the decisive clash against the Atlas Lions for the third round of the CAN , the Zambian coach has played the card of frankness and admiration. While he fears the atmosphere in Rabat and the Moroccan power, he has not spared praise for the Kingdom’s infrastructure, which he considers worthy of European standards.
On the eve of the decisive match against Zambia, Achraf Hakimi took the opportunity of the press conference to send a firm message to Moroccan supporters . Annoyed by the whistles heard at the Moulay Abdellah complex despite the group’s first place, the PSG full-back pleaded for sacred unity, even daring a bold parallel with the European triumph of his club.
Walid Regragui is not one to mince words. On the eve of the clash against Zambia, the national coach has displayed unwavering confidence, claiming to be "the man for the situation" to offer the continental title to Morocco. This determination is coupled with excellent news for the supporters: the long-awaited return of Achraf Hakimi on the right flank.
An unprecedented celebration for the Moroccan Christian community . This year, the commemoration of the birth of Christ has taken on a resolutely patriotic and supportive tone. The faithful have prayed for the victims of the recent floods, but also for the victory of the national team during the 2025 CAN.
The draw against Mali (1-1) left supporters unsatisfied. However, if we look at the recent history of the national teams, this misstep in the second group stage match strangely resembles a rite of passage. Often synonymous with a rude awakening, this scenario has in the past paved the way for historic triumphs... with one exception.
The draw against Mali (1-1) has postponed the official qualification of the Atlas Lions for the round of 16. While the ticket for the next round is "very likely" secured, the main issue of Monday’s match against Zambia remains the first place in the group, which is strategic for the rest of the competition.
Mixed evening in Rabat. Held in check by Mali (1-1) this Friday, the Atlas Lions will have to wait to validate their ticket for the round of 16. If the penalty converted by Brahim Diaz was not enough to seal the victory, Walid Regragui prefers to be positive, seeing in this "trap match" a necessary lesson for the future.