Walid Regragui takes over from Franco-Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic, who was dismissed on August 11 because of “differences of opinion” over preparations for the tournament as well as sidelining two star players, Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich, over disciplinary issues.

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The Confederation of African Football appeared to steal the Moroccan FA’s thunder after reportedly revealing that the former Moroccan international Regragui would be the new coach before the official press conference to make the announcement.

“We are all behind (Regragui) in his new mission at the head of the national team. And we wish him good luck.” Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa told journalists in Rabat.

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Reacting to his appointment ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be staged in Qatar, the 46-year-old coach promised good results to the Moroccan public as Regragui will be seeking to repeat Morocco’s success of 1986, when they became the first African team in history to reach the round of 16 of the tournament.

“We want to do great things … And we’ll give our all to make you happy.”

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French-born Regragui played as a defender for Toulouse, Ajaccio, Dijon and Grenoble as well as chalking up 45 caps with Morocco’s national team. As a coach Regragui won the African Champions League title with Wydad Casablanca in May.