A gallant effort was on display by Comoros, but can they replicate or improve against Morocco? The Atlas Lions triumphed over their biggest challenge of AFCON’s Group C, so surely, they cruise to the knockout stages now? A rather big task for The Indian Ocean Islanders and quite the opposite for Morocco, but do not count anyone out in Africa’s biggest football display.
The Atlas Lions are favourites to secure the win that would take their tally to six points when they face minnows Comoros.
Africa Cup of Nations – Group C
Friday 14 January
Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
18:00
To Win
Morocco 2/9 | Draw 37/10 | Comoros 14/1
Morocco
Morocco’s Sofiane Boufal scored seven minutes from the final whistle to secure a deserved 1-0 win over Ghana in their opening fixture.
The Atlas Lions got the job done, and that is what counts in these tournaments, but on a whole failed to impress. Long periods of possession but nothing to show for it was the takeaway. Capitalising on Ghana’s lapse of concentration in defence can sometimes be a mark of champions – being able to find a way to win.
The north African nation went into their last tie with a host of absentees, just like any other AFCON team, however managed to come out unscathed after a physical game.
Attacking players Ryan Mmaee, Ayoub Al Kaabi and Mounir El Haddadi did not participate in the Atlas Lions’ training sessions ahead of their encounter with Ghana over health concerns but could be available with hopes of recent health and fitness testing going in their favour.
After all, Morocco are among the favourites to go all the way and winning the biggest match of the opening round will not go unnoticed by the rest of the nations.
Comoros
Despite bringing the fight in their first ever AFCON fixture, Comoros did not have the edge to nick a victory, instead quite the opposite befell the Coelacanths.
Of the four nations in group C, Gabon was undoubtedly the fixture coach Amir Abdou would have liked to gain a point at the least. The Indian Ocean Islanders forward Moussa Djoumoi nearly equalised in the second half and proved their main attacking threat throughout, while the whole team really put on a performance many would have not predicted. I do however feel that is all the fight they have in them, respectfully.
Prediction: Morocco Win & Totals Over 2.5 Goals (21/20)
Morocco overcame their biggest challenge of the group, not in the best of fashions, but deservedly earning maximum points. Comoros did not look as impressive as their current opposition, and now a gameplan to contain a free flowing, better ball playing team will be worked on before this fixture. Tactically, Comoros have a big job on their hands because when it comes to quality, the Atlas Lions outweigh them. Morocco know that sometimes goal difference will be at stake and securing a big win in this encounter is key.
