AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Morocco following their inspired performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions became the first African country to progress to the last four after beating Portugal 1-0 courtesy of striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who leapt highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball at Al Thumama Stadium.
Following the victory, Regragui also became the first African coach to lead a team to the semi-finals of the tournament.
“When I saw the game [against Portugal] starting and the team without [Noussair] Mazraoui and [Nayef] Aguerd, I thought problems to Morocco but it was not a problem,” said Mourinho.
“When I saw [Romain] Saiss in the beginning of the second half, their captain their leader, the centre-back, a crucial position in that kind of match, when I saw him leave also injured, I thought big problems for them but it was not a problem.
“The coach organised the team very well, starting with 4-3-3, he was able to change during the game to 5-4-1. He saw the danger, he saw Portugal accumulating lots of players in finishing areas and he found a way to control the game.
“They have individuals, [Yassine] Bounou was an individual during the competition and in this game was the same, [Sofyan] Amrabat, I know him from Italian football, very good player but their No.8, the young boy that plays in France in Angers, Ounahi was absolutely incredible. So, they have players, a coach and an incredible spirit.”
Morocco will face holders France in the semifinals at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.