Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has confessed that his side fell short to win their game against South Africa and further admitted they had failed in their mission.

The Atlas Lions’ journey at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations came to an end at the round of 16 after suffering a shock 2-0 defeat against Bafana Bafana on Tuesday. Evidence Makgopa gave South Africa the lead in the 57th minute before Teboho Mokoena sealed the win with a brilliant free-kick in the added time.

A few minutes before Mokoena’s winner, Achraf Hakimi had the chance to make it 1-1 for the Atlas Lions from the penalty spot but he squandered the opportunity as he skied his effort wide to the disappointment of the Morocco coach.

“We made many technical errors and lacked patience in the buildup play. We were in a lot of rush and had few opportunities,” Regragui said after the game as quoted by beIN Sports, adding: “The match could have been decided in the first half, but at this level, every missed opportunity is immediately punished.

“We tried in the end and were awarded a penalty, but we missed it. It could have equalized the score and brought us back into the game, but the penalty miss hurt us a lot. Certainly, we did not do what was required, and we lacked some things. I take full responsibility.”

He added: “The players gave everything and executed the instructions, and we will learn from the unexpected failure. We came with great humility, but today we must accept that we failed in our mission.

“It’s a great disappointment for our fans who supported us in the tournament, and helped us a lot, and today, this failure is mine to bear as a coach.”