Under heavy pressure at AFCON 2025, Morocco is navigating a tense atmosphere at home.
Despite leading their group after a 1-1 draw against Mali, the Atlas Lions faced boos from sections of the crowd, a reaction that highlighted the growing expectations around Walid Regragui’s team.
With the objective clear — winning a second continental title — the margin for error has vanished, and every performance is now closely scrutinized.
Speaking ahead of the match against Zambia, Achraf Hakimi broke his silence. The Moroccan captain admitted that criticism affects the players more than people think, calling for patience and unity. He stressed that AFCON 2025 is a difficult competition with strong opponents and reminded fans that victories cannot be taken for granted, even on home soil. Hakimi also voiced his full support for Regragui, praising the team spirit built since the 2022 World Cup.
Regragui echoed this message, urging calm and focus while underlining that Morocco remains top of the group with four points. Both men delivered the same appeal: to go far and dream big at AFCON 2025, the Atlas Lions need their supporters fully behind them, united by a shared ambition.