Morocco Seeks AFCON 2022 Qualification in Crucial Match Against Mauritania

Morocco, the favorite of Group E, must confirm its supremacy tonight at 8 p.m. at the Cheikha Ould Boïdiya stadium in Nouakchott in front of 900 spectators. The victory of the Atlas Lions over the Mourabitounes is strongly desired to reassure the Moroccan supporters. This challenge is not impossible to take up for the Moroccan team given the performance of the players who play in the best European clubs. Morocco will explain itself before Mauritania whose players are galvanized by their public and determined to win the historic duel, in order to hope for a 2nd consecutive qualification to the CAN.

The Mauritanian coach, Corentin Martinez, said in a press conference that the confrontation with Morocco is decisive. He explained that "the match against the Moroccan national team is of the utmost importance. Because this match will largely determine the path to qualification".

Marinez added on Monday, after a training session, the need for his team to be ready on Friday against a very in-form Moroccan team that has players playing at the international level. "But we have the mental motivation to make the difference," he reassured.

New blood to win

The Moroccan selection will play a match against Mauritania with new faces. The team is strengthened with the arrival of FC Seville striker Munir Haddadi, and left-back Adam Massina.

Vahid Halilhodzic, the Moroccan coach, had announced at the press conference that national elements are being called up so that the selection can win in the next two matches, against Mauritania and Burundi. He had specified that merit and preparation were the criteria for choosing this list which includes talented players, capable of performing feats.

He stressed "the importance of developing a winning culture within the national team". Finally, for the Moroccan coach, the Atlas Lions’ training camp "is crucial to continue working on the mental aspect and on the collective performance with the aim of improving the team’s efficiency".