Prank on the Pitch: Morocco's Akord Lightens Training Ahead of AFCON Quarterfinal with Cameroon
8 January 2026
Moment of mischief during Morocco's training
Naïf Akord, a Moroccan national team star, teased his coach Walid Regragui during a training session as they prepared for Cameroon.
Morocco warmed up to face Cameroon on Friday in AFCON quarterfinals at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Cameras caught Akord displaying his skill by threading the ball between his coach's legs.
AFCON journey and the path to the Cameroon clash
The Atlas Lions aim to move closer to the 2025 AFCON title, a prize they have not claimed since 1976.
Morocco began its campaign with a 2-0 win over Comoros, then drew 1-1 with Mali and beat Zambia 3-0.
In the round of 16, the Atlas Lions beat Tanzania with a goal from Ibrahim Diaz.
Cameroon’s campaign opened with a 1-0 win over Gabon, then 1-1 draw with Ivory Coast, before 2-1 win over Mozambique.
In the knockout phase, Cameroon edged South Africa 2-1 to reach the quarterfinals.
Punchlines: If he can thread the ball through his coach's legs, maybe he's auditioning for a magician's act. This training was so entertaining that even the whistle needed a coffee break.
