The Atlas Lions completed their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with an impressive performance, scoring an incredible 26 goals while conceding just 2 over the course of six matches. Under the leadership of coach Walid Regragui, the team showed new offensive prowess, averaging a record 4.3 goals per game. This improvement marks a significant transformation from their past struggles, showcasing their ability to entertain fans while exhibiting effective play.
Regragui stressed that real challenges await them in March with the upcoming matches against Niger and Tanzania. However, the Lions, often criticized for their ineffectiveness during past qualifications, were able to exploit their offensive potential. Their recent thrashings, including a dazzling 7-0 win over Lesotho and a 5-1 victory over Gabon, reflect a dynamic new team identity.
Read more:
National team: Pape Thiaw on his future: “The interim period ends today, I leave the…”
Historically, the national team had not scored 7 goals against an opponent since 1996 against Zaire and had never scored at least 5 goals in four different matches in a single year, but they managed this feat during this campaign. The team’s ability to use set pieces effectively stands out, with 4 of the 12 goals during this international window coming from dead ball situations.
Although their World Cup performances gained the respect of stronger nations, they faced challenges against other African teams. The addition of top attacking players like Brahim Diaz has significantly strengthened their attacking options, providing depth and competition within the squad. This competition redefined Regragui’s selection criteria, leading him to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation which favors attacking play.
Read more:
Kudus, Guirassy, Kondogbia… Stars Absent from CAN 2025
In the match against Lesotho, Diaz shone, scoring his third, fourth and fifth goals of the campaign and establishing himself as a key player with 7 goals in the qualifiers. Saibari also showed his skills with two spectacular goals, while En-Nesyri embraced his goalscoring role, further strengthening the team’s attacking depth.
Beyond the tactical improvements, the transparency and accessibility of Regragui has visibly changed, allowing for better communication with media and players. His willingness to experiment with formations during matches demonstrates a tactical flexibility that could prove vital heading into the next phase of competition.
In summary, the Atlas Lions seem more dynamic and efficient than ever, promising to be a formidable force at the next African Cup of Nations.
Related News :