Close the books of criticism… tomorrow, we are all the Atlas Lions

ALDAR/

The moment of truth is approaching—not only for head coach Walid Regragui and the national team players, but also for us as fans. In these decisive moments, one key question remains: what does the team truly need?

The answer is crystal clear: support and encouragement… nothing else.

Looking back briefly, it is clear that the national team’s journey in the Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by our Kingdom of Morocco, has not fully met expectations. Performances were inconsistent at times, but in major tournaments, football is not decided by attractive play alone; it is won through belief, national spirit, and standing united behind the team.

We clearly remember the sincere and straightforward words of Achraf Hakimi:

“If Moroccans are with us, we can become African champions together.”

These words should not be taken lightly. They were a direct message to Moroccan fans around the world: players need your hearts before your opinions, your cheers rather than your whistles.

We must remind ourselves and the world that this team is no ordinary one. It is the same team that made history at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, raised the Moroccan flag high, honored African football, and includes players competing at the highest international level. These are more than enough reasons to trust them and set aside our doubts.

All eyes are now on Friday’s match at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, a decisive encounter against a tough opponent like Cameroon. History may not favor us, but football is not played in archives—it is played until the 90th minute. The difference can be made in a split second, through determination and the feeling that an entire nation believes in you.

Let us put our contradictions aside and open our hearts wide. The worst thing for a player is to feel that a single mistake could bring endless criticism instead of unified support.

Everything has its time: criticism has its moment, analysis has its place, and accountability will come later. But now, at this very moment, it is neither wise nor patriotic to dwell on what should have been or what was not.

Moroccans must set everything aside—past results, choices, lineups, and performances—and hold on to one thing only: the red national jersey bearing the green star.

The Moroccan public is the twelfth player, standing behind the Atlas Lions in the stadiums, at home, and in popular cafés across the country, from Tangier to Lagouira.
The Africa Cup will not be won by feet alone, but also by fans who believe in their team until the final whistle. Let us give them full and unwavering support.