Qualified in the quarter-finals after overthrowing the surprising Flames of Malawi (2-1), Morocco will have to get rid of Egypt this Sunday to join the last four of CAN 2021. But against the Pharaohs they did not have more beaten for 20 years and who had eliminated them (1-0) during the CAN 2017, the deal is anything but simple for Moroccans.
Morocco takes on Egypt@Africa News24
In Morocco, qualification for the quarter-finals is already forgotten. Place in the new confrontation against a giant of continental football, which is moreover a regional rival. Atlas Lions fans are eagerly awaiting Sunday’s clash, but some would have preferred to cross paths with Ivory Coast, one of Morocco’s favorite victims in recent years. A tour of various crowded spots in the economic capital shows how much a victory against a great regional rival like Egypt would do for Atlas Lions supporters. Because, Morocco has no longer joined the last four of a CANsince 2004 when he played in the final lost against Tunisia (1-2). The objective remains at least to be among the four best teams in the competition while waiting for the other continental deadlines.
“We certainly have a very good team, which scores goals. But Egypt remains Egypt. Personally, as a Moroccan, I see more of an Egyptian victory for Sunday’s match. I hope I’m wrong though ,” says Anas (not his real name) who runs a swimwear shop in the famous “Qorea” market in Casablanca. For this supporter, Egypt wins “when the games really count and remain a team that concedes few goals” . The Pharaohs have so far conceded just one small goal in the group stage loss to Nigeria).
For a taxi driver who follows the AFCON with attention, Morocco has a good team which has especially distinguished itself offensively unlike Egypt which defends well. “If we create chances like in other matches, I have high hopes for a Moroccan victory. But football is often unpredictable, especially in this AFCON ,” he told us.
“Boufal, the Neymar of the CAN”
In this large Casablanca market, the jerseys of the teams of this CAN are well exposed. Some like those of Hakimiseem to be popular with the public. A group of young supporters met in front of a restaurant near the market discuss Morocco’s chances against the Pharaohs. For them, two players can make the difference in this long-awaited clash: Achraf Hakimi and Sofiane Boufal.
“ Boufal has been our best player since the start of the competition. I can say that it is the Neymar of this CAN “ , launches one of them in a funny tone. While his compatriot is rather betting on a new exploit by Hakimi. “This year we have a good team and I believe they can still show more. But against Egypt it’s never easy to win, ”recognizes one of the young people all the same.
More fatalistic, one of the merchants who manages a sporting goods store does not really want to get into predictions. “I believe that the team that will win this quarter-final will do so with a small score (1-0 or 2-1). I would say 1-0 for Morocco incha’Allah (please God, in Arabic Editor’s note)”.
A scent of revenge
If the fear is present among some supporters, Morocco can well look at Egypt eye to eye. Admittedly, the last victory of the Atlas Lions dates back 20 years, but the results of direct confrontations lean largely in their favor. In 26 games, Morocco has indeed 12 wins for 11 draws and only three defeats against the Pharaohs.
Among supporters, the word “revenge” often comes up in discussions before Sunday’s meeting. Because, the elimination of 2017 in the 87th minute is difficult to digest, as is the victory of Carlos Queiroz’s Iran during the 2018 World Cup on an own goal by Aziz Bouhaddouz at the end of the match. The Moroccans want to see a revenge team after being narrowly beaten in the last meeting. To achieve this, they will have to rely on their offensive qualities.
Against Malawi, Morocco indeed shot 22 times on goal for two goals. He currently has more than 60 shots in four games. Efficiency has often failed the Atlas Lions as coach Vahid Halilhodzic lamented. Facing Egypt, the Atlas Lions will have to be much more precise to reach the last four.
