Don't Play the Victim Card - Morocco coach Regragui fires back at critics after controversial AFCON win over Cameroon

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has hit back strongly at critics following his team’s controversial victory over Cameroon at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, dismissing claims that referee decisions favoured the tournament hosts.

The Atlas Lions booked their place in the semi-final after a tense and hotly debated encounter against the Indomitable Lions, a match that sparked widespread reactions due to a disallowed Cameroon goal.

The incident fueled accusations of officiating bias, particularly given Morocco’s status as host nation.

Addressing journalists in a fiery post-match press conference in Casablanca on Saturday night, Regragui was unapologetic in the defence of his side.

“We deserved our win. When you want to kill your dog, you accuse it of rabies!” Regragui said, using a popular proverb to dismiss the criticism aimed at his team.

The former Morocco international insisted that his players earned the result on the pitch and rejected suggestions that referees played a decisive role.

“Cameroon didn’t score a goal, and the referee denied it. People want to make it seem like we’re favoured by the referees. We win our matches on the field,” he added.

Morocco is aiming to make full use of home advantage as they chase their first AFCON title since 1976.