‘Best African Players of Recent Years’ – Regragui Expects High-Quality Football in AFCON Semifinals

Morocco coach Walid Regragui says the Africa Cup of Nations is set for a thrilling finish as the semifinals bring together “practically the best African players of recent years.” Morocco face Nigeria on Wednesday, after Senegal meet Egypt in a repeat of the 2021 final.

Regragui believes all four teams can win the title, pointing to star names across the squads. He listed “Salah, Ballon d’Or… Hakimi, Ballon d’Or… Lookman… Osimhen… Mané,” saying their presence shows the quality on display.

Hosts Morocco are under pressure to end a 50-year wait for the trophy, last won in 1976, after heavy investment in stadiums and infrastructure. Regragui said improved conditions will reduce shocks, noting past extremes where matches were played in “40 degrees Celsius heat… with 80% humidity.”

“Today we’ve given conditions for the best teams to play their best football,” he said, predicting goals, spectacle, and greater respect for African football.