Moroccan international striker Yacine Bammou, not selected by Walid Regragui for the next African Cup of Nations, spoke of the Atlas Lions’ title chances for the competition.
Formerly of FC Nantes and Alanyaspor in Turkey, Yacine Bammou now plays for Ajaccio in the second division of the French championship. A 6-time Moroccan international, the 32-year-old has not been called up for selection since March 2018. For CAN 2023 , the former Canary has not been called up. Despite this, he never stopped showing his support for the national team.
“I only remember good experiences (with the national team). Today, Morocco has very good visibility. It has now placed itself somewhere on the World map, after the superb 2022 World Cup that they had. It was a source of pride to wear this jersey from the start. I have a few selections, it’s a pleasure,” he declared in an interview with media 360, before sending a strong message to coach Walid Regragui, “Now I’m going to work hard so why not to come back. »
The 32-year-old Moroccan striker has scored three goals and provided an assist with Ajaccio (6th) this season. Statistics which could bring him back to the national team for the qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup, which Morocco will organize at home in 2025.
Scorer for the first time with the national team during the qualifying phases of the 2018 World Cup, Yacine Bammou is proud of the evolution of the national team especially since the 2022 World Cup.
“Walid Regragui is doing a fantastic job. We must not forget the quality of the players, the staff, and all those around him. I think that Morocco has really increased in value and that in the coming years, we will do badly. That’s all the happiness I wish them. »
Yacine Bammou sees Morocco favorite for CAN 2023
After a historic adventure in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup, where it reached the semi-finals, the Moroccan team is clearly one of the three serious contenders cited to win the prestigious African Cup of Nations trophy at the evening of February 11 on Ivorian soil. An opinion shared by Yacine Bammou. In his interview, the former Caen player thinks that Walid Regragui and his men have a good chance of succeeding Senegal in the rankings.
“I don’t like saying things like that. But Morocco is one of the favorite nations. We cannot predict what will happen. The CAN is a very difficult competition. But there is something to play for, and I hope they grasp it. They have a great chance of winning, and I wish them. »
Morocco not favorite for Regragui
A communications strategy or an honest statement? Walid Regragui does not count Morocco among the favorites for CAN 2023. In a recent statement, the Atlas Lions coach clearly ruled out Morocco before giving his favorites.
“Today, we are not favorites. I think today there are better teams than Morocco on the continent. A year after the World Cup, many teams have progressed including Ivory Coast, Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria. Teams that have not been to the World Cup are favorites. We will try to fight and get through the first round ,” he said during a press conference. Also a way to relieve pressure and put it on your future opponents.
For the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco is part of Group F with Tanzania , Zambia and DR Congo. He will play his first match on January 17 at 6 p.m. against Tanzania. For the former Nantes player, the Atlas Lions are among the favorites of the competition.
