Morocco v Angola: Sable Antelopes Face Atlas Lions in Fierce Group A Duel

Morocco will kick off their quest for a third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title with a high-stakes Group A clash against Angola on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Atlas Lions, crowned champions in 2018 and 2020, are aiming to become the first side to clinch a third CHAN title.

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Morocco are coming into the match with a 13-match unbeaten run in the competition and a reputation as a continental powerhouse.

"For us, it is very important to approach the first match with a victory that will allow the players to gain in terms of confidence and positive state of mind," said Morocco head coach Tarik Sektioui on the eve of the clash.

"We are determined to win this match and have prepared well for it."

Sektioui, a former international and now tactician in charge of Morocco’s locally-based squad, emphasized the significance of a winning start in a competition where momentum is often decisive.

Despite pre-tournament disruptions, including player transfers and injuries, the coach remains confident in his squad’s resolve and readiness.

Captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat echoed his coach’s sentiments, pointing to the team's tournament experience and unified focus.

"The national team is determined to win the trophy and the players are aware of the responsibility they have," he stated.

"We have enough experience in African competitions to make a difference. Our main objective is to get through the group stage and ultimately win the title."

Morocco’s dominance at CHAN is well-documented. They are the only team to have defended the title successfully and remain unbeaten in opening fixtures.

Their 4-0 demolition of Mauritania in 2018 and 1-0 win over Togo in 2020 are reminders of their ability to hit the ground running.

However, they will be facing a dangerous opponent in Angola. The Palancas Negras, finalists in 2011, are making their fifth appearance at the tournament and bring a mix of youthful hunger and tournament know-how.

Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves, at the helm since 2019, is confident his side can match the defending champions.

"We’re not thinking beyond the Morocco match. They are strong, they want to win — but so do we. And I’m confident their hunger won’t exceed ours," he said.

Angola’s upward curve under Gonçalves has been impressive. A COSAFA Cup triumph and their best-ever AFCON campaign in 2024 have lifted morale and built belief in their domestic talent.

But their CHAN preparations were rocked by the departure of five key players to foreign clubs, making them ineligible.

"Since we began preparations, five players have moved abroad. That’s something we never used to see," Gonçalves noted.

"It shows how Angolan players are being valued more. Technically, they’ve always been gifted, but now they’re developing holistically."

This will be the first CHAN encounter between the two sides, and while Morocco have an edge against Southern African teams in past tournaments, Angola's gritty record — including eight draws in CHAN history — suggests they will not be easy opponents.

Both sides qualified convincingly, with Morocco topping their group and Angola overcoming Lesotho in a tight aggregate win. With Kenya, Zambia, and DR Congo also in Group A, every point is vital.