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After impressing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Morocco are now under intense pressure to repeat the exceptional performance and win the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast
The Morocco national football team, the Atlas Lions, is under immense pressure to translate their recent World Cup success into a triumphant campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.
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AFCON: Five teams that can stop Nigeria from doing it again
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The tournament, which is set to commence on January 13, sees Morocco as one of the overwhelming favourites, heightened by their historic semi-final achievement at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Morocco chase AFCON dream
Morocco's only AFCON victory dates back to 1976, with their recent endeavours in the tournament marked by early exits and disappointments. Despite being labelled favourites in past editions, the team has struggled to replicate their international success on the continental stage.
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“It’s true, the last World Cup finals has given us the experience of the big competitions, but for us, the reality is that the Cup of Nations is always a complicated tournament,” coach Walid Regragui told Reuters. Regragui, who took over the team's reins in August 2022, has been cautious about their chances in the upcoming AFCON, stressing the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
Morocco boasts stellar squad ahead of AFCON
Morocco's squad boasts notable talents like Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi, and Yassine Bounou, raising expectations among fans and pundits alike. The team's star playmaker, Ziyech, is renowned for his exceptional skills in dead-ball situations. Rising star Azzedine Onuahi, who had an impressive run at the World Cup, is another key player to watch.
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In Group F, Morocco is paired with DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. The team is scheduled to start its campaign against Tanzania on January 17. Analysts consider this group to be favourable for Morocco, but the challenge lies in overcoming the unpredictability of the tournament.
The Pressure of Expectations
Veteran Morocco defender Romain Saiss outlined the team's ambition at the tournament, saying, “We have set high goals for ourselves. We want to have a big AFCON... We know that everyone is waiting for us now after our 2022 World Cup, and we have a big responsibility of doing well."
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While Morocco is seen as a strong contender, the AFCON has historically been a tournament full of surprises. Teams like Senegal, Egypt, and Nigeria, with their own sets of star players, are also expected to make a significant impact.
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