Morocco manager Walid Regragui has stated that the Atlas Lions must first end their Africa Cup of Nations title drought before dreaming of winning a maiden FIFA World Cup.
The North African giants grabbed headlines after they finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They did this by getting the better of heavyweights Belgium, Spain and Portugal.
It has led to suggestions the Moroccans have what it takes to win the Mundial but Regragui believes they need to conquer the African continent first, something they have done just once, dating back to 1976.
“When I say we must win the African Cup, they say that I am exaggerating,” Regragui said.
“I must be careful, so I say we are not going to play for a win but we only play for happiness.”
نهاية المقابلة بفوز المنتخب الوطني أمام منتخب البرازيل ????
????FULL TIME | It’s a win !!
No surprise!! Atlas Lions continue to make history ????????????#DimaMaghrib #AtlasLions #TeamMorocco pic.twitter.com/wl7ksIWPUY— FRMF (@FRMFOFFICIEL) March 26, 2023
Morocco made more headlines after defeating five-time world champions Brazil 2-1 in Tanger on Saturday. It was their first-ever win over the South American giants and while Regragui sees the victory as worth celebrating, he does not want his team to get carried away.
“You know it means a lot for us to beat Brazil, the top team in the Fifa ranking, and the country of football,” he continued.
“This is the month of Ramadan, we have to go and pray Tarawih to confirm if it’s true or not.
“Now we are going to celebrate but it’s a long way to go. We must not get on fire.”
Morocco have already booked their spot at the 2023 AFCON despite not playing in the ongoing qualifiers due to the suspension of Zimbabwe by FIFA for government interference in football affairs.
Liberia’s 2-2 draw with South Africa meant Morocco are guaranteed to finish top of Group K thanks to their earlier victories against the two countries.
Regragui’s men will take on another South American country in Peru on Tuesday evening in Madrid.
