We can all agree that Morocco stood up for Africa and really impressed everyone at the 2022 World Cup, but can they go on and win the AFCON? They face Tanzania in their tournament opener.
AFCON 2023
Match 11 – Morocco v Tanzania
Wednesday 17 January | 19:00
Worth noting before we get stuck into this fixture is that Morocco cruised to a 2-0 away win over Tanzania in a World Cup qualifier in November 2023. Will they repeat the trick here or will the East Africans spring a surprise?
To Win Match
Morocco 3/10 | Draw 33/10 | Tanzania
The Atlas Lions gear up for what is their 21st appearance at this prestigious tournament. They come in with a target on their backs after their heroics at the 2022 World Cup that took place in Qatar.
The North African country can not dwell on the World Cup euphoria forever if they have ambitions of winning their first AFCON title since 1976.
Group F could prove a tough test for the Moroccans. However, with the star-studded team that has Walid Regragui has put together, they should prove too good – both at the back and in attack – for the likes DR Congo, Zambia and their Wednesday opposition.
Morocco have so much firepower at their disposal, with world-class players such as Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, El Azzouzi and Youssef En-Nesyri are just a few names to mention and to look out for as they look to put Tanzania to the sword and register their first three points of AFCON 2023.
Regragui will make history should he win the continental showpiece. He will become only the second man in history, second behind Egypt’s Mahmoud El Gohary, to win the African Champions League and the AFCON as a coach.
Tanzania qualified for this competition by the skin of the their teeth, on the last day, which pretty much sums up the level or standards of football in Tanzania. This will be only their fourth appearance at the AFCON finals.
With that being said, the Taifa Stars can be proud to be the only East African country at the tournament and one thing I can guarantee, is they will compete in every aspect of the game and give a good account of themselves.
The Tanzanians do not boast a sqaud full of well-established players or any rising stars, but there are two stand out players to look out for. Former Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta and Algeria-based striker Simon Msuva who are also second and third on the Taifa Stars all-time top scorer list.
They will have to carry the weight of the team and use their experience to bring the best out of this team and navigate their way through a tough Group F.
Verdict: Morocco 3/10
This one is pretty straightforward. Back Morocco to cruise to victory.
