Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, has expressed his willingness to face fellow North African rivals Algeria in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Atlas Lions secured a spot in the last four after a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Friday’s quarter-final clash.
That result sets up a semi-final meeting for Morocco against the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Speaking after the win over Cameroon, Regragui, quoted by Algeria Football Media, said, “If it’s Algeria we’ll have to face in the semi-final it will be a true historic derby between two brothers, it would be beautiful for football.”
He added, “If it’s them we’ll be very happy because it will be a great celebration.”
Morocco and Algeria last met at the Africa Cup of Nations during the 2004 tournament in Tunisia. On that occasion, a late equaliser from Morocco pushed the match into extra time, where the Atlas Lions eventually claimed a 3-1 win.
Historically, Morocco hold the advantage in encounters between both sides, having recorded 17 wins compared to Algeria’s eight, while 12 matches have ended in draws.
On the other hand, Algeria will be aiming to secure consecutive AFCON victories over the Super Eagles. Their most recent meeting at the competition was in the 2019 edition in Egypt, where Algeria emerged 2-1 winners thanks to a free-kick goal from Riyad Mahrez.
