Morocco Aims to Overcome Past AFCON Disappointment in Crucial Clash with Malawi

The match will be officiated by Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabiha. Tunisian referee Haitham Qirat will be in the "VAR" room, along with Kenyan Peter Waweru. Vahid Halilhodzic does not declare himself on conquered ground but remains optimistic about the outcome of the match.

A victory remains necessary to allow the players and their supporters to heal the open wound in 2019. "You know, if we go back to history, Morocco left the last edition at the same round of 16 stage. For us, the important thing is therefore the qualification and it is a match where we will have to arm ourselves with determination, concentration and discipline. We must not believe that Malawi is an easy team," recalls the Franco-Bosnian technician.

The Atlas Lions are in good spirits and remain focused on tonight’s goal: to reach the quarter-finals. Monday’s training session saw the participation of all the players, with the exception of Fayçal Fajr, who was infected with the coronavirus. The players were visited by Fouzi Lekjaâ, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

Morocco will give everything to continue the adventure. The players and their determination represent for the kingdom, the hope of a first title since 1976. Malawi, for its part, has no intention of letting go. "The Morocco match is the biggest match of our lives and we are looking forward to it," said midfielder John Banda.