Morocco head coach Walid Regragui believes his faith in Youssef En-Nesyri has been justified after the striker scored the only goal in their historic Qatar 2022 World Cup victory over Portugal yesterday.
The Atlas Lions defeated the 2016 European champions 1-0 to become the first team from Africa to reach the semi-finals in World Cup history, with En-Nesyri leaping high to head home the winner late in the first half.
Regragui, who only took over the Morocco reins in August after leading Wydad Athletic Club to the CAF Champions League title, said his belief in the Sevilla striker never wavered even when there were vocal doubters.
“I’ve always believed in Youssef [En Nesyri]. Even Moroccan journalists criticised me when I defended him, but he’s here. I accepted the criticism and I said to him he is a top player. He’s the top scorer in history for Morocco at the World Cup,” Regragui said in an interview with FIFA.
“Coaches have reasons for choices and I’ve always believed in him, because of his energy on the pitch, that’s why he plays for Sevilla.
“He’s like [Olivier] Giroud for France, he works so hard for the team. Sometimes [these types of strikers] are criticised.
“He’s from Morocco, he trained in Morocco and he’s an important player. I’m very proud of him. His goal was a sign of destiny.”
Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat had another energetic outing in the match against Portugal and insists his side were full value for their huge win and meteoric rise.
”It’s really, really, really unbelievable. I’m so proud. We deserve this 1000 per cent,” the Fiorentina star told FIFA.
“That’s just how we fight and how we play, with our heart, for our country and for our people. We had some injuries and to have three defenders go in and defend like that, big respect. Big respect for everybody – for the fans, for the coach, for everyone.”
Morocco have beaten Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds and are up against world champions and another European heavyweight side France in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
