Morocco will begin their African Cup of Nations campaign against Morocco on Wednesday. There will be a match in Group F between 2012 winners Zambia and two-time champions Congo DR. It will take place at the same location.
Preview (Morocco vs. Tanzania)
It’s safe to say that the Moroccans have a somewhat dismal record in the continental competition. They set the bar for African football a little over a year ago at the 2022 World Cup. All eyes will be on them to repeat that feat. Morocco was handed a reality check last June. They had to withdraw from the 2022 African Nations Championship due to travel issues. Two games helped to temper the excitement following their World Cup semi-final victory in Qatar. To qualify for this competition, they first had to draw goallessly with Cape Verde, then lost 2-1 to South Africa.
After that outcome, head coach Walid Regragui stated that although the Atlas Lions won all three of their previous games against Tanzania (2-0), Sierra Leone (3-1), and Liberia (3-0) last week, he still thought the team wasn’t the favorite to win the AFCON. With one of the most formidable squads on paper, Morocco has only won the AFCON once in 1976. Nevertheless, with their opening encounter on Wednesday evening against a favorable opponent, they will be under tremendous pressure to create an impression. As for Tanzania, the biggest underdogs to advance from Group F to the knockout stages.
Tanzania qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations by holding off Uganda and Niger. They secured a thrilling 0-0 draw against Algeria in their final qualification match. Tanzania showed tenacity and resolve to frustrate their illustrious opponent and secure the vital point needed for advancement. The Taifa Stars have now participated in four games. During that time, they have drawn once against Sudan (1-0) and won once against Niger (1-0). They have also lost two straight games to Egypt and the Atlas Lions, both by a score of 2-0.
Team News
Nassar Mazraoui, a defender for Bayern Munich, is doubtful to play for Morocco due to an injury. Attiat Allah is expected to take over at left back in his stead. Hakim Ziyech, who scored for the Atlas Lions against Tanzania in November, will be a crucial member of the midfield group alongside Sofyan Amrabat of Manchester United and Azzedine Ounahi of Marseille. With Yassine Bounou in goal, Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saiss in center defense, with Achraf Hakimi lining up at right full-back, Morocco has a formidable backline.
Amrouche has invited Ben Starkie and Haji Mnoga, who play for Aldershot Town and Ilkeston Town in the English non-league, to represent the nation in this year’s competition. Mbwana Samatta, an attacker for PAOK, has been identified as a possible star player for The Taifa Stars in the competition. This season in 14 Greek Super League games, he has tallied two goals and two assists.
Morocco 2-0 Tanzania
For more football previews, click here
