Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has struck a defiant and confident tone ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, insisting his side are ready to embrace both the pressure and the atmosphere of a decisive night on home soil.

Speaking hours before kick-off, Regragui described his players as “a team of winners” and made it clear that Morocco have left nothing to chance in their bid to lift the AFCON trophy for the first time since 1976.

“We are a team of winners, and we did everything to make sure we don’t miss this match,” he said.

The Moroccan coach also underlined the importance of home advantage at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, warning Senegal that the conditions will be very different from previous venues.

“Senegal needs to feel the pressure. This is not the Stade des Martyrs: there’s no running track here, just football,” Regragui added, referencing Morocco’s intense semi-final victory over Nigeria, which ended in a penalty shootout.

“Nigeria realised that the hard way, and today it will take a very, very strong Senegalese team to beat us.”

Regragui acknowledged the quality of Senegal, praising Senegal’s ability while stressing that Morocco will rely on the energy of their supporters to tip the balance.

“They are capable, so we’ll need 200 decibels in the stands to push them to their limit,” he said.

Morocco, buoyed by passionate home support throughout the tournament, are chasing only their second AFCON title, while Senegal are aiming to add to the crown they won in 2021. The final is expected to be a tight and physical contest between two of Africa’s most consistent sides.

As anticipation builds in Rabat, Regragui’s message is clear: Morocco are ready for the occasion, ready for the pressure, and determined to make home advantage count on the biggest night of African football.