The Moroccan national team became the subject of controversy following their 1-1 draw against Mali in the second round of the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations. This result was not only seen as a dropped point but also raised questions about the overall performance and the tactical choices made during the match.

The performance level of the "Atlas Lions" sparked a wave of public criticism, especially directed at head coach Walid Regragui, amid a display that fans considered limited and not reflective of their ambitions. Many supporters felt that the tactical approach had become predictable, with continued reliance on the same tactical system and methods of building play, as well as repeated dependence on the wings and crosses, which reduced the element of surprise and weakened the team's ability to change the pace of the game.

Some of Rekraki's choices have also sparked widespread controversy, particularly regarding the continued reliance on certain players, even in cases of incomplete readiness or physical decline. Critics consider this a factor that could affect the principle of competition within the team.

The debate was not limited to the outcome of the Mali match alone; it extended to a broader discussion about the strength of the national team's technical project and its ability to develop, especially given the heightened expectations of the fans during the tournament held in Morocco.

In the same context, a segment of the fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the performance on social media, calling for a comprehensive technical review. They considered the match against Mali to be the team's first real test in the tournament, which intensified the debate about the next phase ahead of the final group stage round.