The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned the touchline ban on Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, clearing him to lead his team in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match against South Africa.
In comes as a big boost to the Atlas Lions’ Africa Cup of Nations campaign, as they search for their second trophy in history.
Regragui was initially hit with a four-match ban, with two suspended, following a heated incident with DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba after Morocco’s 2-2 draw with DR Congo in the AFCON group stages last week.
The coach was forced to watch from the stands as Morocco secured top spot in Group F with a win over Zambia in their final group match. However, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) swiftly appealed against the ban.
On Friday, the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Appeals Commission announced they have rescinded Regragui’s suspension entirely after considering the FRMF’s arguments.
“The CAF Appeal Committee has overturned the previously imposed suspension against the national team coach. This decision was made after considering the arguments presented by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF),” announced the Federation.
The rescinded ban means Regragui will be back on the touchline when Morocco takes on South Africa in the AFCON Round of 16 on Tuesday.
Morocco will come into the knockout clash as favorites, having gone unbeaten through the group stages with 7 points. But Bafana Bafana also avoided defeat in their group and pose a stern test.
Regragui’s presence could prove pivotal as Morocco aim to assert dominance and book a quarterfinal spot against either Ivory Coast or Egypt.
For now, Morocco are simply relieved to have their head coach’s leadership and tactics back at their disposal for the do-or-die encounter with South Africa.
