Renard: Morocco Tops Africa
French coach Hervé Renard, who previously led the Moroccan national team, praised the level the "Atlas Lions" have reached on the international stage, asserting that Morocco is now the top team in Africa and noting that the gap with global teams is continuously narrowing.
In an interview with “Canal+ Sport Afrique,” Renard stated, “As I mentioned before, I believe Morocco is just a little short, but the gap with global teams is closing, and it continues to close even more.”
The French coach added, “I see Morocco today as number one in Africa in international competitions, and no one can deny that,” recalling the results the team achieved in recent World Cup editions, including reaching the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup and the quarterfinals of the 2026 edition.
Renard continued, “On a global scale, they are the most outstanding,” before highlighting the Moroccan national team's ability to push other African teams forward, saying, “They have taken other teams with them on their journey, and we must believe in that... there is a lot of quality in these African teams.”
Reflecting on his previous experience with Moroccan football, Renard said, “I know Morocco well, as I spent three and a half years there, within a high-level system, and there is nothing to envy from the best teams in the world.”
He added, “It is a country that has understood everything to a large extent and is also moving toward an upward dynamic,” urging other African countries to follow the same path, stating, “Others must walk this path, and this requires budgets and infrastructure.”
Renard concluded his message by emphasizing the potential that the African continent possesses, saying, “Africa must push in this direction, as there is a whole generation dreaming of reaching the pinnacle of global football... they have the potential, but they must believe in it, and they must be convinced, and I believe in that.”
