The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has revealed the preparation program for the Atlas Lions ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Egypt from June 21 to July 19. The national team is set to begin its pre-tournament training camp at the National Football Center (CNF) in Maâmora, Salé, starting June 2, as part of a structured build-up to the competition.
During the camp, Morocco will play two friendly matches to fine-tune tactics and assess the squad’s readiness. The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face Zambia and Gambia in these warm-up fixtures, both of which will be held at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. In a logistical plan designed to minimize travel fatigue, the team will travel to Marrakech on the day of each friendly and return to Salé in the evening, maintaining a stable training environment at the CNF.
Following the conclusion of these friendlies, the Moroccan delegation will depart for Egypt on Tuesday, June 18, traveling aboard a private plane from Rabat-Salé International Airport. This early arrival is intended to allow the team to acclimatize to local conditions, settle in their accommodation, and finalize preparations before the tournament begins.
In the group stage of the 2019 AFCON, Morocco has been drawn into Group D, where they will face Namibia on June 23, Ivory Coast on June 28, and South Africa on July 1. These fixtures will test the team against a mix of playing styles and strategies, providing an important measure of their readiness to advance in the tournament.
The FRMF’s carefully planned schedule reflects a commitment to professional preparation, balancing intensive training, competitive match practice, and strategic travel arrangements. By organizing the camp and friendlies in this manner, the Atlas Lions aim to enter the tournament in peak physical condition, tactically prepared, and mentally focused on performing at their best on the continental stage.
