Morocco coach Walid Regragui takes blame for Afcon exit

Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, shouldered the blame for his team's disappointing exit from the Africa Cup of Nations after their 2-0 defeat to South Africa in the round of 16.

Following the match, Regragui acknowledged his players' missed opportunities and accepted full responsibility for the setback.

«We could have settled the game earlier, but at this level, mistakes are punished», Regragui told beIN Sports.

«I take full responsibility. We will analyze our mistakes and come back stronger», he added.

Walid Regragui s’exprime après l’élimination du Maroc ! ???️ #CAN2023

«J'assume la responsabilité. […]

J’avais dit que le Maroc devait aller en demi-finale, je vais rentrer m’asseoir avec mon président. Je vais assumer !» ?

? @beinsports_FR

pic.twitter.com/jOVsvPbUA0

— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) January 30, 2024

Regragui, who had previously stated his expectation of reaching the semifinals, acknowledged his disappointment in failing to meet that goal. «I predicted that Morocco would reach the semifinals, but we didn't. I'm going to meet with my president to discuss what went wrong. I'm going to own up to my mistakes», he added.

Despite controlling possession and creating more chances, Morocco's finishing let them down, with only two shots on target. A missed penalty by Achraf Hakimi further compounded their struggles.

This loss extends Morocco's wait for their second Afcon title, adding to their previous final defeat in 2004.