Adel Amrouche and his team are the only East African team at the AFCON and will hope to fend off opposition from the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists.
The Tanzanian Taifa Stars will have to be at their absolute best to avoid defeat against tournament favourites Morocco in their first match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Adel Amrouche and his team are the only East African team at the AFCON and will hope to fend off opposition from the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists.
Amrouche has admitted to Morocco's might but won't be fazed as Tanzania return at the finals since their last in 2019.
“The Moroccan team speaks for itself … it is one of the best teams in the world,” he added.
09:46 - 17.01.2024
We must defeat Cote d'Ivoire — Nwabali backs Super Eagles to crush hosts
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, emphasized the need to secure a victory against hosts Cote d’Ivoire in Group A's blockbuster clash.
He admitted that Morocco’s achievements “speak for themselves,” attributing their global ranking to the team’s capabilities and history rather than luck.
Fair to say, the Moroccans raised the bar for African football a little over a year ago at the 2022 World Cup, and the spotlight will now be on them to follow up in the continental competition, where they have a relatively disappointing track record.
09:30 - 17.01.2024
KANDANDA Taifa Stars yaahidi kupambana ikiivaa Morocco leo AFCON
Taifa Stars inashiriki michuano hiyo kwa mara tatu katika historia yao
After withdrawing from the 2022 African Nations Championship due to travel problems, Morocco were given a reality check last June, with two matches tempering the soaring euphoria of their World Cup semi-final achievement in Qatar.
The first was a goalless draw to Cape Verde, followed by a 2-1 loss to South Africa in qualifying for this competition, while a final wake-up call came after they were held to a 1-1 draw by the Ivory Coast in October.
Morocco have only lifted the AFCON trophy once in their history, back in 1976, but with one of the most impressive lineups on paper, this feels like their moment, and they will be under immense pressure to make a statement against a favourable opponent in their opening match on Wednesday evening.
13:39 - 16.01.2024
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Meanwhile, Tanzania come into this competition ranked 31st among African footballing nations according to FIFA and are the biggest outsiders to qualify for the knockout stages from Group F.
The Taifa Stars are set to make their third appearance in the AFCON, having previously participated in the 1980 and 2019 editions.