Veteran coach Claude Le Roy has said Morocco were the best team at the “Morocco AFCON”, but still fell short of the title because of details that decided the tournament.
Speaking about the Atlas Lions’ campaign, Le Roy stressed that the hosts had the strongest squad and the most complete level of performance across the competition. He pointed to Morocco’s quality, organisation and the impact of playing at home as factors that made them stand out compared to the rest of the teams.
However, Le Roy explained that being the best on paper does not always guarantee lifting the trophy. In his view, Morocco lost the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title because of small moments that went against them at the decisive stage, where one mistake, one missed chance or one lapse in concentration can change everything.
He added that these tournaments are often won by the side that manages pressure better in key matches, stays efficient in front of goal and keeps balance until the final whistle, even when performance levels are close.
Le Roy’s assessment comes as Morocco continue to be seen as one of Africa’s leading national teams, with high expectations whenever they play a major tournament on home soil.
