The State of Play
Morocco made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the competition, beating the likes of Belgium, Spain and Portugal in the process. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they are one of the pre-tournament favourites heading into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. You have to go all the way back to 1976 for the last time the Atlas Lions tasted AFCON glory, but the general consensus is that they are ready to go all the way once again.
Set to compete in only their third ever Africa Cup of Nations, Tanzania will hope to make more of an impact than they did in both 1980 and 2019, having failed to win a game in either of those campaigns. Currently ranked 121st in the world according to FIFA, Tanzania last faced off against Morocco back in November, losing by two goals to nil in a FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture.
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Team News
Walid Regragui has confirmed that full-back Noussair Mazraoui won’t be available due to injury, with Yahia Attiyat Allah likely to replace him on the left-side of defence. Winger Amine Adli has joined up with the squad after taking time away following the death of his mother.
Tanzania could line-up in a 4-3-3 formation against the Atlas Lions with captain Mbwana Samatta their point of difference in attack. Mzamiru could also be picked to play from the start in midfield alongside Feisal Salum and Mudathir Yahya.
Expected Line-ups
Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Attiyat Allah; Amrabat, Ounahi; Ziyech, Harit, Boufal; En-Nesyri
Tanzania: Manula; Mnoga, Job, Mwamnyeto, Husseini; Salum, Yahya, Yassin; Starkie, Samatta, Msuva
What they Said
Morocco boss Walid Regragui on the importance of his side making a good start to the competition and laying down an early marker: “Winning the first match would set the tone for the national team’s entire tournament journey. I trust the players to deliver a top-tier performance.”
Tanzania head coach Adel Amrouche on the benefits of competing at the AFCON from a players’ perspective: “The players know that this is a big tournament and is the grandest occasion in Africa. It is going to give them significant exposure when they play against the prominent nations of African football. It is the greatest occasion, and it’s a good dream to play in the AFCON.”
When and How to Watch
The game at the Laurent Pokou Stadium will kick off at 17:00 on Wednesday January 17th and will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK. Subscribers to Sky Sports can alternately stream the game online via the ‘Sky Go’ app.
Prediction
When taking into account Morocco’s exploits at the FIFA World Cup only 14 or so months ago, expectations are high for them at this tournament and rightly so with the calibre of players at their disposal. They don’t just have a strong starting XI, the depth of their squad is at an extremely high level, which bodes well for them. The Atlas Lions were renowned for their brilliant defensive play at the World Cup and their backline should prove just as strong here. It would be a surprise if Morocco didn’t shut out Tanzania with Walid Regragui’s side expected to win by two goals to nil.
