The upcoming clash between Morocco and Tanzania in the ongoing AFCON 2023 has garnered significant attention, with Morocco set to navigate their campaign without full-back Noussair Mazraoui, nursing a calf injury sustained with Bayern Munich. While Morocco boasts a full squad, the absence of Mazraoui highlights the challenges that the Atlas Lions must navigate in the tournament.
As the first team to arrive in the Ivory Coast for the competition, the Moroccan squad, led by Walid Regragui, must exercise caution against the underdog Tanzania to avoid succumbing to the fate of other tournament favorites.
The shocking draws for Egypt and Ghana against Mozambique and Cape Verde, respectively, underscore the unpredictability of AFCON 2023.
Despite Morocco’s favorable track record in direct confrontations against Tanzania, the latter, known as the “Taifa Stars,” will not be content to be mere sacrificial lambs.
The recent loss to Morocco in the World Cup qualifiers is a motivating factor for Tanzania, and they aim to prove their mettle on the continental stage.
Tanzania’s history in the AFCON dates back to 1980, and after a nearly four-decade hiatus, they returned to the tournament in 2019.
Despite facing setbacks in their previous AFCON appearance, the Taifa Stars secured a spot in AFCON 2023, showcasing resilience in a challenging qualification group.
For Morocco, the opening match against the 121st-ranked Tanzania provides an opportunity to set the tone for their AFCON campaign. Assistant coach Rachid Benmahmoud emphasized the significance of the encounter, stating, “We have to win next Wednesday against Tanzania.
It is this meeting that puts us under pressure, as it is decisive for our qualification for the next round and for entering the competition fully.”
The Atlas Lions, considered favorites for the tournament, aim to build on their performance in the 2021 AFCON, where they reached the quarter-finals.
The focus will be on maintaining an uninhibited style of play, defensive solidity, and replicating the qualities that define their football.
Following the Tanzania encounter, Morocco will face DR Congo on January 21 and square off against Zambia on January 24, each match carrying its own weight in determining the trajectory of Morocco’s AFCON 2023 journey.
The football enthusiasts eagerly await this pivotal clash between the Atlas Lions and the Taifa Stars, anticipating a thrilling spectacle on the African football stage.
