Mission accomplished for the Atlas Lions after the two victories obtained against Zambia and Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Two confrontations with divergent content: the first aroused a wave of skepticism as to the competitiveness of the selection in the face of the deadlines which await him, in particular the CAN 2025. The second brought balm to the hearts of the supporters. However, it is time to carry out a measured analysis, which leans neither towards blissful optimism nor towards defeatist catastrophism.
At the final whistle of a disappointing Morocco-Zambia, the most critical minds fired bullets at Regragui’s team. The choices of the national coach were discussed at length, and the least we can say is that on a technical level, the coach of the Atlas Lions persisted in certain options that were questionable to say the least. . Persisting in using Ziyech on the right side, seeing Saïss as the leader of the defense and persisting with En-Nesyri deprived of balls were the black points mentioned by the average supporter. The lack of technical affinity between Diaz and Ziyech was also highlighted. There was therefore room for debate in commercial cafes or on social networks, especially since the moody gestures of the Galatasaray and Sevillian member were enough to irritate.
Seventy-two hours later, the relocated confrontation against the Congo was to confirm doubts or dispel them. And obviously, coach Walid had the good taste to question himself. The choices offered against the weak link in our playoff group paid off. Placing Ziyech back in the heart of the game made the offensive maneuver more fluid, especially since the complicity on the side between Diaz and Hakimi was self-evident. This movement on the chessboard freed Ounahi, offered a more interesting field of maneuver for the promising Ben Seghir and gave great prospects to a Kaabi who was more mobile and opportunistic than En-Nesyri. Yes, in football, it’s all about movement around the ball carrier and more dynamic solutions when facing low blocks. Behind, the very young Chadi Riad brought that zest of speed which can be lacking in a Saïss at the end of the course.
Results: the national selection has revealed ideas and some solutions to the major project of offensive animation against more wait-and-see rivals. The idea is that our Atlas Lions are less predictable in the game and that each element leaves their ego aside, including the national coach. In Spain there is a saying that “rectificar es de sabios”, translatable into the language of Molière as “rectifying is a proof of wisdom”. Admitting your shortcomings, listening to others without showing populism can perfectly serve the cause of the National Team.
It now remains to refine Walid Regragui’s communication. The latter has a divisive personality. You can love or hate his style like. A little “consensualism” is required, both from public opinion and from the boss of the Atlas Lions. It’s up to the coach to show more pedagogy to explain his game plan, and to the fan to be more understanding, in order to unite and create around the national selection the sacred union necessary to win this damn CAN which has been fleeing us since 1976.
