Morocco coach Regragui calls Algeria semi-final 'beautiful' historic derby
Morocco coach Walid Regragui says a semi-final clash with Algeria at AFCON 2025 would be a "beautiful" historic derby between "two brothers." Speaking after Morocco's 2-0 quarter-final win over Cameroon on Friday, Regragui confirmed the Atlas Lions are ready for either Nigeria or Algeria in the next round. The last Morocco-Algeria meeting at AFCON was in 2004—22 years ago—making this potential matchup highly significant for North African football rivalry. Morocco vs Algeria last happened at AFCON in 2004 in Tunisia. Regragui called it a "true historic derby" and said it would be a "great celebration" for football. The quarter-final victory against Cameroon secured Morocco's place in the semi-finals, where they await the winner of tonight's Nigeria vs Algeria clash. For fans, this potential matchup represents more than just a game—it's a rare opportunity to witness two North African football giants face off in continental competition after decades of political tension keeping them apart.