Morocco handed major boost as Regragui cleared for Bafana AFCON showdown
The 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco have received a major boost ahead of their Last 16 encounter against Bafana Bafana as coach Walid Regragui’s ban has been lifted.
The two nations will lock horns on Tuesday, 30 January, at Stade de San Pédro. Kickoff is set for 10pm [SA time].
The Moroccan mentor, Regragui, was suspended for two matches by CAF. This was after he was found guilty on separate charges after his conflict with DR Congo skipper Chancel Mbemba after the match.
Regragui had been given a four-match ban, with two games suspended, and fined for bringing the competition into disrepute.
The 48-year-old missed the last group stage match against Zambia as he was in the stands. However, he was still in communication with his assistant coach as they went on to win 1-0.
Ahead of the much-anticipated encounter against Bafana, the Atlas Lions will be aiming to keep their 100 per cent unbeaten record intact after two wins and a draw in the group stages. On the other hand, SA have registered a win, a draw, and a defeat.
The North African side finished at the summit of Group F. They accumulated seven points after registering two wins and a draw.
WHAT HUGO BROOS SAID BEFORE WALID REGRAGUI’S SUSPENSION WAS LIFTED
Prior to Regragui’s suspension being lifted, Bafana coach Hugo Broos commented on the impact of Regragui being unavailable on the bench.
The Belgian mentor outlined that it won’t be easy for the two sides.
“He will be at the stadium I saw in their last match against Zambia. They were using walkie-talkies to communicate with the coach down there,” said Broos.
“It’s not really a big problem, but I think it’s always better if your coach is on the bench and that can immediately do things that you have to do.
“I don’t think there’s a really big problem, but it should be a bit uncomfortable, I think.”
RELATED STORY: Morocco dealt major ahead of Bafana Bafana clash