Soccer-Morocco coach puts criticism down to passion after Cup of Nations win

Soccer Football - Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16 - Morocco v South Africa - Laurent Pokou Stadium, San Pedro, Ivory Coast - January 30, 2024 Morocco coach Walid Regragui reacts REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

RABAT, Dec 30 (Reuters) - A ‌convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia on Monday for the Africa Cup of Nations hosts lifted ‌the mood in Morocco as coach Walid Regragui put criticism of his team’s start ‌to the tournament down to the passion of the fans.

Morocco are strong favourites to win the tournament on home soil but started their campaign looking like a team weighed down by the burden of expectation.