Former Morocco Coach Zaki Omits Home Nation from AFCON Favorites, Backs Senegal

Badoy Zaki believes that Senegal, the defending champion, can retain its title. "The Senegal team is the current African champion and has a talented team, including players playing in prestigious and well-known clubs in Europe and around the world," he said at a press conference preceding the friendly match against the Senegal team. He is convinced that the Teranga Lions will reach the semi-finals. "The Senegal team has the experience and ability to retain this title. It is one of the contenders for the crown. However, the CAN has another reality. I think Senegal will reach the semi-finals," added the Moroccan coach and coach of the Niger team.

"We can easily say that Senegal and Cameroon will qualify for the second round. But at the end of the group stage, the teams must be evaluated," he continued. And he concluded: "From that moment on, we will know which team will qualify for the semi-finals. However, I think the Senegalese have the strength to progress in this tournament."

Morocco and 23 other teams will participate in the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) which will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024 in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouaké, San Pedro and Korhogo (north). Ranked in Group F, the Atlas Lions will take the field on Wednesday, January 17. They will challenge Tanzania at the Laurent Pokou stadium in San Pedro, before playing a new match against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, January 21, still at the same stadium and finally Zambia on Wednesday, January 24.