Rabat—Throughout Morocco’s AFCON 2025 campaign, the Atlas Lions have not been spared from criticism. Despite progressing through the tournament, doubts and detractors followed them at every stage.
Speaking on beIN Sports after Morocco’s penalty shootout win over Nigeria to reach the AFCON 2025 final, respected Tunisian analyst Fathi El Mouldi made it clear that this win was about much more than qualification but also about a response to weeks of doubt and debate surrounding the Atlas Lions.
For El Mouldi, the satisfaction came above all from the way Morocco handled the moment. “With all respect to those who celebrate and those who don’t, my happiness wasn’t just about the win. It was about how Morocco won.”
Despite being hosts, the Atlas Lions had faced questions about their performances, refereeing decisions in earlier matches, and even speculation around Walid Regragui’s future. El Mouldi addressed those talking points directly. “The referee was excellent and made no mistakes. All the doubts and suspicions around Morocco were answered today on the pitch. Morocco responded where it matters most.”
🎙️🇹🇳Fathi El Mouloudi :
« Je suis très heureux aujourd’hui, parce que le Maroc a prouvé à tout le monde qu’il ne gagne pas grâce aux arbitres, mais grâce à sa 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘 et à son mérite. »
🇲🇦💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/MO7vs0BWBK
— FRMF Xtra (@FRMFXtra) January 15, 2026
He admitted that penalty shootouts often come down to the wire and was adamant that Morocco’s win had nothing to do with questionable calls. “The match could have gone Nigeria’s way on penalties, and only then would people talk. But Morocco qualified with merit and fairness. Today, there is nothing you can point to and question about Morocco’s qualification.”
El Mouldi pointed out that the toughness of the match only proved how much Morocco deserved the win. “Yes, they suffered. Yes, it went to penalties. But even if Morocco had won 2–0 or 3–0, people would still talk. Tonight, there is no discussion. This qualification came through heart, strength, effort, and nerves.”
He admitted the victory carried a personal sense of satisfaction, especially in response to those who had questioned Morocco’s legitimacy as contenders.“I was very happy tonight, especially for those who doubted whether Morocco truly deserved to be here.”
Beyond the result, El Mouldi praised the players’ mentality and commitment, describing them as “soldiers on the pitch.” He also highlighted two performances he felt went under the radar: Neil El Aynaoui and Noussair Mazraoui. “Their effort was extraordinary. I wanted to highlight them and say it clearly, they were hidden heroes.”
With Morocco shifting their attention to the final, El Mouldi’s point was unmistakable: this was a triumph built on solid play, the ability to bounce back from adversity, and proof that their critics were wrong.
