Hervé Renard’s tribute to Morocco: “The CAN was sublime”

Former coach of the Atlas Lions, Hervé Renard followed the recent African Cup of Nations with particular attention. And if he recognizes that the final left a bitter taste, he nonetheless remains admiring of the work accomplished by Morocco.

We know the French technician's attachment to African football, a link that he evokes in his book Moi, le football, l'Afrique, published by Talent Sport. On the occasion of the promotion of this book, the former coach of the French women's team gave an interview to Ouest-France, in which he returned to CAN 2025 and his impressions.

Renard does not hide his emotional involvement: “The CAN? I looked at her second by second. I was at the opening match in Rabat, with great emotion. »

For him, the tournament was overall a success. “The African Cup of Nations was sublime. Until the last minutes changed the general picture a little. »

He believes that the incidents of the final should not overshadow the quality of the organization or the progress made. “It is not beneficial for Africa. Changing your external image is difficult. There are prejudices, preconceived ideas. Criticism comes faster than recognition of positive changes. »

Despite this “downside”, Renard remains impressed: “She was beautiful, all the same. The resources put in place by Morocco, the stadiums… The work accomplished over more than ten years is remarkable. »

The former coach of the Atlas Lions thus underlines the structural dynamic initiated by the Kingdom, saluting both the organization and the level displayed by the selection of Walid Regragui, although contested after the final.

In short, for Hervé Renard, CAN 2025 will remain above all a showcase for the progress of Moroccan football, despite an end to the competition which has somewhat tarnished the overall image.