Mohamed Ouahbi addresses the audience following his appointment as head coach

Mohamed Ouahbi has shared his initial response following his appointment as head coach of the Morocco national team. The 49-year-old takes over from Walid Regragui, who stepped down a month and a half following the Atlas Lions’ loss in the AFCON final on home ground.

As the World Cup draws near in three months, the Moroccan Football Federation has selected the coach who guided the U20 team to victory in the U20 World Cup last October in Chile.

At his inaugural press conference, Ouahbi conveyed a sense of pride and resolve as he assumed leadership of the national team. He emphasized his desire to build upon the existing work instead of overhauling the entire project. The new coach recognized the disappointment stemming from the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) final defeat but highlighted the importance of continuity as Morocco gears up to compete against Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C at the forthcoming World Cup.

“I understand the expectations, feel deeply honored, and am genuinely dedicated to approaching this role with seriousness and humility, determination, and, most importantly, a strong sense of patriotism to further advance this team.” A revolution is unnecessary. As Moroccans, we have all gone through a shared trauma, particularly in relation to our national identity and the challenges we face as a nation. “That final of the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) was a complex moment, but I believe what truly matters is continuity,” remarked the new head of the Atlas Lions.