Facing Cameroon: Morocco’s Old Demons Meet a New, Tighter Rulebook

Discipline and focus mark Morocco's Cameroon preparation

Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui has adopted a different approach for the upcoming Cameroon match, shielding players from external distractions including social media and ongoing contract talks, given the strength of the opponent.

In televised remarks, Regragui said: 'serious action has barely begun and mistakes are not allowed; we must show selflessness and discipline as past numbers warn us.'

Past meetings shape the stakes

Morocco has faced Cameroon 12 times, winning once in 2018 during CAN qualifiers thanks to Hakim Ziyech, while losing six and drawing five.

Cameroon's scoring edge over Morocco stands at 12 goals to 6 in those meetings. The teams have met three times in AFCON history: 1986 group stage 1-1, 1988 semi-final Cameroon 1-0, and 1992 CAN in Senegal Cameroon 1-0, with Morocco not securing a win in those AFCON clashes.

This history adds pressure to a Morocco side eager to change the narrative and prove their consistency against a familiar rival.

Punchline 1: If discipline counted as goals, Morocco would be World Cup champions by now.

Punchline 2: And if distractions were defense, Morocco’s back line would have the cleanest sheets in the league.