Morocco coach Walid Regragui is predicting that Brahim Diaz may very well be the catalyst for his aspect as they bid to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the primary time in half a century on Sunday.
Diaz is the highest scorer on the match with 5 objectives in six matches however it has been his dribbling play and fixed probing of opposing defenses which have seen him emerge as among the best gamers over the past month of competitors.
Morocco tackle Senegal in Rabat in Sunday’s ultimate and the stress is on the Actual Madrid midfielder to ship for the hosts, whose solely earlier Cup of Nations success was in 1976.
“His mentality is powerful, he performs with a variety of want,” Regragui mentioned of Diaz in Saturday’s pre-match press convention.
“He is aware of he has to make a distinction. An important factor is how he orchestrates the attacking phases.”
Diaz is a former Spain worldwide, with a father from Morocco, who was persuaded to change his worldwide allegiance two years in the past.
“I am completely satisfied as a result of three years in the past there was the challenge of coming to play for Morocco. There have been individuals who wished him right here, he felt he may assist us win titles and play within the World Cup and that is what occurred,” Regragui added.
Prime-ranked Morocco have at occasions within the match struggling below the load of expectation however placed on convincing performances in each the quarter-final and semi-final to advance to the deciding recreation.
“It is going to be about managing feelings. The workforce below stress is Morocco, we’re taking part in at dwelling however we mustn’t put stress on ourselves.
“The gamers perceive that they should calm down. That is my solely worry. We will be going through a workforce that is used to taking part in in finals, that is assured.
“Senegal are robust. It is going to be a terrific ultimate, it is 50-50. We would have a 51% likelihood with the group,” the coach added.
Regragui additionally admitted that getting so near success after a long time of missed alternatives for Morocco meant it was crucial to win Sunday’s ultimate.
“We have been a successful workforce for some time now. We do not wish to miss out on this opportunity,” he mentioned.
