How Morocco’s National Team Surprised the World at the Last Africa Cup

They were not favourites at all when they went to this tournament. Only a few people even gave them the status of a “dark horse”. But when the final whistle blew at the 2025 African Cup of Nations, the world gasped: Morocco didn’t just play – they completely rewrote the tournament script. From the very first game in the group until the final explosion of the stands, this team took to the field with fire in their eyes, with faith and real character. How did they do it? What is the secret of this football fairy tale? Let’s take a closer look.

A Tournament Full of Hope

When the Moroccans landed in Côte d’Ivoire, there was a special atmosphere in the air. This team organically intertwined the experience of proven fighters and the fresh excitement of brave youth. Their attitude was reminiscent of the same passion with which fans place bets on football (Arabic: تحميل برنامج مراهنات): until the very last second—with faith, passion, and complete dedication. Pressure? It was as if it did not exist. There was only inner confidence. Walid Regragui did not make loud statements about victories. He spoke about honor, about serving the country, about giving everything on the field.

And as soon as the starting whistle sounded, it became clear: the team took to the pitch and charged to the maximum. For Morocco, this African Cup was not just another tournament. It was a stage for which they came truly prepared.

Morocco’s Road Less Traveled

The group? No gift: DR Congo, Zambia, and dangerous Nigeria. Fans followed every episode – both in the stands and on social networks, including the milbet page, where emotions ran high, no less than on the field. But Morocco did not flinch. 7 points – two wins and a draw, six goals scored, only one conceded. First place.

In the 1/8 – a difficult victory over Cameroon 1:0, with a goal by Youssef En-Nesyri in the 78th minute. In the quarterfinals, a nervous penalty shootout with Ghana, and here Yassine Bounou becomes a national hero. The semifinals? An incredible comeback and 2:1 against Algeria.

Moments That Shifted the Tide

Impulse never comes out of nowhere. This whole story of Morocco is about individual flashes, about episodes that send shivers down your spine. This is where everything turned upside down:

1. Hakimi scores a penalty against Nigeria (group stage, 85th minute): The scoreboard shows 1:1, and the tension cuts the air. And then – a shot from twenty-five meters, the ball flies into the “nine”. The goal is not just decisive – it seems to ignite a new faith in the team. People start to believe in miracles.
2. Bounou saves two penalties in a row against Ghana (quarterfinals): Ghana seems to have the advantage, and the stadium is screaming. But Bounou saves the first shot, then the second. The stands fall silent. Morocco goes on. Everyone runs to the goalkeeper, like to a wall, behind which nothing is scary anymore.
3. Unahi’s pass and goal against Algeria (semifinals): The score is 0:1, and the situation is unpleasant. And then Unahi just takes it, passes three, and puts the ball in the goal. That’s it – the score is tied. It was this goal that turned the game, and maybe the entire tournament, in the other direction.
4. En-Nesyri’s header in the final against Senegal (67th minute): A pass from Ziyech, En-Nesyri jumps higher than everyone else, hits the ball, and it is in the net. The score is in Morocco’s favor. That’s it, the team doesn’t let go of what’s left.

These aren’t just beautiful episodes – these are forks in the road where everything goes in the other direction.

Defying Expectations on the Pitch

It was not a coincidence. There was no room for blind luck here. Everything was decided by discipline, imagination, and non-stop work. A team where everyone knew their role and was ready to give it their all. Let’s look at the numbers and names that created the magic of the Moroccan team:

Look at the stats. Look at those names. This isn’t a random blip — this is a group that found a rhythm and played like their whole lives were on the line.

Unity Behind the Victory

It wasn’t just about talent. There was a real shoulder to cry on. The team lived as one family: shared lunches, discussions, and flights. Always together. Off the field, veterans pulled the youth up, helped, prompted, and gave confidence. Romain Saiss, even if he remained on the bench, was always the first to start a conversation in the locker room. And when the final whistle announced victory, it wasn’t just the players who hugged. The entire coaching staff, doctors, personnel – everyone was part of this triumph.

But the connection went even deeper. At home, in Rabat and Casablanca, fans occupied not only cafes, but also rooftops. The streets were drowning in Moroccan flags. Every save by the goalkeeper, every song, everything flew across social networks in a matter of seconds. This had long gone beyond football. It had become a matter of self-identification. For those 90 minutes, the whole country breathed the same rhythm.

Tactics, Heart, and Bold Decisions

Strategy and instinct met here. Regragi’s decisions led the team forward. His signature was visible in every match. Here’s what played a decisive role:

• The transition to a 4-3-3 formation after the group stage: Ziyech and Boufal were freed up – they were running along the flanks, and the middle of the field became more reliable. Ball possession increased, and chances poured in one after another.
• Betting on young El Hannous against Cameroon: A move that required courage. Result: 92% accurate passes, constant pressure on the opponent. The boy played without a drop of fear.
• Amallah – a pressing forward at the end of matches: He jumped around the field, interfered with the defenders, and stole precious seconds. An impeccable move to “close” the game.
• Absolute trust in Bounou in the penalty shootout: No psychology, only quiet confidence. And Bounou did not let us down even once.

Regragi did not play cautiously. He played to win. And it worked.

Fans, Pride, and the Power of Belief

For Morocco, this wasn’t just a tournament — it was a national moment. From Agadir to Tangier, cafes were transformed into stadiums. Strangers hugged in the streets. Children with painted faces kicked balls around the courtyards during the break. People weren’t just watching — they were living it. Living every second.

And in the Ivory Coast? The fans came in their thousands. A sea of ​​red and green filled the stands. Drums, vuvuzelas, dancing — the Moroccan energy swallowed up all other noise. When the anthem began to play before the final, the players cried. The fans didn’t hide their tears either. This wasn’t just support. This was love.

More Than a Win — A Story to Remember

It wasn’t just about the trophy. It was a story written with sweat and heart. A team that didn’t just play, they inspired. Morocco gave joy, faith, and unity. A moment that will be remembered for a long time in football stories. One tournament. One dream. And they managed to make it come true.