CAN-2025 Qualifiers (Matchday 6/Group B): Patience and Perseverance Pay Off – Walid Regragui’s Morocco Overcome Ivory Coast
On November 19, 2024, Morocco under the astute leadership of Walid Regragui clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over the Ivory Coast in Abidjan in a tense match that proved the worth of patience and perseverance. The win, which came in the 6th matchday of Group B in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, not only solidified Morocco’s position at the top of the group but also marked a key moment in their qualification journey.
Regragui’s tactical approach, discipline, and Morocco’s resilience in the face of a strong Ivorian side were on full display. This match underscored Morocco’s growing maturity and composure, traits that were evident throughout their successful campaign in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The victory over the Ivory Coast, a team brimming with individual talent and fierce competition, illustrated the continued evolution of Regragui’s men as one of the top contenders for AFCON glory in 2025.
The Context: Group B Showdown
Heading into Matchday 6, Morocco were unbeaten in the qualifiers and leading the group, while the Ivory Coast were hot on their heels, just behind in second place. The stakes couldn’t have been higher—this encounter would be pivotal in deciding who would seize control of the group and take a step closer to securing direct qualification for AFCON 2025.
Both teams had been in strong form throughout the qualification campaign, but Morocco’s 1-0 victory in Abidjan was a testament to their tactical discipline and ability to weather pressure. With the Ivory Coast boasting top-tier players like Nicolas Pépé, Wilfried Zaha, and Frank Kessié, Morocco’s defense, marshaled by Romain Saïss, Nayef Aguerd, and Achraf Hakimi, was always going to be tested. However, Regragui’s tactical ingenuity ensured that Morocco neutralized the Ivorian attack and delivered an important result.
Regragui’s Tactical Masterclass
Walid Regragui, who gained international recognition for leading Morocco to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showed once again why he is considered one of the best managers in African football. His game plan for the match against the Ivory Coast was a perfect example of his adaptability, combining a disciplined defensive shape with swift counter-attacking transitions.
Regragui’s Morocco set up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a solid defensive structure while exploiting the width of the field, particularly on the right wing where Achraf Hakimi could stretch the Ivorian defense. With Hakimi’s pace and ability to bomb forward, Morocco had the option to break quickly and hit Ivory Coast on the counter. The Ivorian defense, led by Eric Bailly and Wilfried Kanon, was susceptible to pace, and Morocco’s strategy was to remain patient, absorb pressure, and look for moments to break forward.
Defensively, Morocco were organized and disciplined, closing down spaces quickly and limiting the effectiveness of Pépé and Zaha. Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saïss formed a rock-solid partnership at the heart of defense, while Yassine Bounou, known as Bono, was commanding between the posts. The Moroccan backline gave very little away, dealing with the aerial balls and pacey wingers of the Ivory Coast with composure and efficiency.
In midfield, Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat played crucial roles in dictating the tempo. Both players were relentless in their pressing and ball recovery, ensuring that the Ivory Coast struggled to build any sustained attacks. Amrabat, in particular, was exceptional, putting in a tireless shift as the midfield anchor, breaking up Ivorian attacks and distributing the ball with accuracy. His ability to intercept passes and recycle possession allowed Morocco to keep control of the game even when under pressure.
The Breakthrough: A Moment of Class
After a relatively cagey first half, with both teams feeling each other out, it was Morocco who finally found a way through. The match was evenly balanced, with Ivory Coast having the better of possession, but Morocco’s clinical finishing and the presence of Youssef En-Nesyri up front proved the difference. In the 59th minute, Hakimi, who had been a constant threat on the right, picked up the ball on the edge of the Ivorian box. After a quick exchange of passes with Hakim Ziyech, Hakimi delivered a low, driven cross into the path of En-Nesyri, who was well-positioned to finish.
En-Nesyri, who has been in superb form for both Morocco and his club, Sevilla, made no mistake, slotting the ball past Ivory Coast’s goalkeeper, Sylvain Gbohouo, with an assured finish. The 1-0 lead was well-earned and perfectly executed. It was a moment of individual brilliance and tactical execution, one that typified Morocco’s approach throughout the match—patient, methodical, and precise.
The goal stunned the Ivory Coast into action, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to break down Morocco’s defense. Pépé and Zaha tried to create opportunities, but every time they got close, they were met by a well-organized Moroccan defense and a goalkeeper in Bono who was in inspired form. The Ivory Coast pushed forward more aggressively as the match wore on, but Morocco’s defense stood resolute.
Patience and Perseverance Pay Off
Regragui’s decision to remain patient and not rush forward in search of a second goal proved wise as the match wore on. The Ivory Coast grew more desperate, but Morocco’s composed play and ability to hold onto the ball in key moments was a sign of their maturity. The game became more stretched, but Morocco’s ability to manage the game, close down spaces, and disrupt the rhythm of the Ivorian attack ensured they saw the game out.
The final whistle confirmed Morocco’s 1-0 win and extended their lead at the top of Group B. With four wins and two draws, Morocco are now in pole position to qualify for AFCON 2025. The result also demonstrated that Regragui’s team has the mental strength and tactical acumen to win tough away games against the continent’s best, something that will be crucial in their bid for continental glory.
The Road Ahead for Morocco
With the AFCON 2025 qualification campaign now nearing its conclusion, Morocco’s impressive performance against the Ivory Coast sets them up as one of the favorites for the tournament next year. Regragui’s side has a perfect balance of youth and experience, and their tactical discipline is the cornerstone of their play. With players like Hakimi, Amrabat, Ziyech, and En-Nesyri all at the top of their game, Morocco will be a formidable force at AFCON 2025.
The Ivory Coast, on the other hand, will have to regroup and rethink their approach. While they boast a wealth of individual talent, their failure to break down a well-organized Morocco side showed that their defense can be exploited when under pressure. Ivory Coast will need to find more consistency and collective cohesion if they are to qualify for AFCON 2025 and challenge for the title.
Conclusion
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The 1-0 win over Ivory Coast was a testament to Morocco’s discipline, patience, and tactical maturity under Walid Regragui. As the team continues its push for AFCON 2025, they have demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with in African football. The blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity, coupled with the leadership of Regragui, makes Morocco a genuine contender for the continental title. Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast’s defeat was a harsh reminder that even the most talented teams must find consistency and unity if they are to succeed on the continental stage.
