The era of Walid Regragui as head of the Moroccan national football team is now over, leaving behind a mix of admiration and criticism. Charles Douglas Ndemba, a journalist at Balafon Media, hails Regragui as one of the greatest coaches in the history of African football, highlighting his undeniable impact and legacy.
Regragui made history by leading Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, a first for an African and Arab team. This achievement not only removed mental barriers, like Cameroon in 1990, but also proved that Africa could compete at the highest level. However, high expectations and constant pressure in Morocco led to harsh criticism, especially after underperforming in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite the criticism, Regragui's impact remains undeniable. His time at Wydad Casablanca, crowned by a CAF Champions League victory, demonstrates his ability to build successful teams. His style of play, focused on a solid defense and quick transitions, often destabilized his opponents.
As Regragui departs, Mohamed Ouahbi, coach of the under-20s, is expected to succeed him. This choice, focused on continuity and the development of young talents, marks a new chapter for Moroccan football. Time will tell if Ouahbi can capitalize on Regragui's legacy and meet the high expectations of the Moroccan public. Regragui, for his part, leaves behind a complex legacy, shared between the historic achievement of the World Cup and criticism related to African competitions. He leaves his post with the best record in Morocco's history.
