Three months before the next FIFA World Cup, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation officially announced on Thursday the appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi as national team coach. The 50-year-old succeeds Walid Regragui.
The Moroccan national team is currently preparing for a world competition where expectations are high after their performances in recent years. The federation has chosen Mohamed Ouahbi to lead the technical direction of the Atlas Lions in order to prepare for the upcoming international tournament.
Walid Regragui leaves the national team after a period highlighted by a World Cup semi-final appearance.
In a message to Moroccan football fans and observers, Walid Regragui confirmed his departure and discussed his record as head coach of the national team. He stated that he was resigning from his position. "with loyalty, gratitude and certainty of having served (his) country."
The former coach also wanted to highlight the progress made by the team during his tenure, stating that "The work accomplished together has allowed us to reach historic levels."
Under Regragui's leadership, the Moroccan national team achieved several notable feats in the history of African football. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
During this tournament, the Atlas Lions eliminated several major nations of world football. After finishing top of their group, they notably beat Spain in the round of 16 and then Portugal in the quarter-finals, before losing to France in the semi-finals.
This historic performance has helped to strengthen Morocco's reputation on the international stage and to establish the national team among the most competitive selections of the moment.
The bitter taste of the AFCON
The results achieved under Walid Regragui's leadership were not limited to the world stage. On the African continent, Morocco also confirmed its progress by reaching the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. Unfortunately, the team lost in the final to Senegal in a penalty shootout, despite having victory within their grasp thanks to a penalty awarded in the dying seconds, which they missed.
Mohamed Ouahbi faces the challenge of continuity
The appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi comes with high expectations. The new coach inherits a team that has established itself in recent years as one of the leading teams in African and Arab football.
The Moroccan coach's mission will be to maintain the sporting momentum built during the previous cycle while preparing the national team for the next World Cup.
Managing the squad and ensuring the continuity of the sporting project will be key elements in this transition. With relatively little time before the competition, the new coach will need to quickly familiarize himself with the players and guarantee team stability.
A selection now eagerly awaited on the international stage
Morocco's performances have profoundly changed the perception of the national team on the world stage. After their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup and a strong run in the Africa Cup of Nations, the Atlas Lions are now considered a team capable of competing with the best nations.
This development also places the Moroccan team in front of new expectations, both from supporters and observers of international football.
The transition between Walid Regragui and Mohamed Ouahbi will be closely watched. The new coach's ability to preserve the team's sporting achievements and continue its progress will be one of the key challenges for Moroccan football in the coming months.
