Morocco under pressure to deliver at Afcon after historic World Cup run

Morocco are heading to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with unprecedented expectations resting on their shoulders. The tournament, initially due to take place last summer but postponed by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) because of the rainy season in the host country, Ivory Coast, will be marked by the Atlas Lions trying to follow up a historic World Cup and add to a legacy that has eclipsed any other African nation.

In Qatar, they became the first African country to make the competition’s semi-finals, topping a group containing Belgium, Croatia and Canada before eliminating Spain and Portugal to reach the last four. They lost to eventual champions France in a thrilling match that ended 3-2.

In contrast, Morocco have lifted one Afcon trophy, in 1976, in 19 appearances. A disappointing haul given that the country has the best footballing infrastructure on the continent, funded by King Mohammed VI. Unlike many of their African counterparts, the federation is well run and they boast an abundance of talents who play club football at the highest level in Europe. One final and two semi-final appearances in almost five decades are a poor return for a country often tipped as one of the favorites. In recent Afcon editions, worse teams with far fewer resources have gone on to triumph.

Now the Atlas Lions are not just one of the favorites, but the overwhelming favorite. The team set incredibly high standards in Qatar but will have to grapple with changing the way they play on the pitch, and their mindset off it, when they kick off their tournament at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San-Pédro.

Since the World Cup, Morocco have struggled. They secured a huge 2-1 victory against Brazil, but a loss against South Africa and draws against Peru, Cape Verde and Ivory Coast highlighted just how much they will have to adapt to different styles and conditions. In response to his side’s form, the Morocco manager, Walid Regragui, said: “We’re playing against the world’s top players. I, too, could go and play against teams 50th or 60th in the Fifa rankings and then say that we have been undefeated for however many matches.”

He was apparently having a dig at Algeria and their 35-match unbeaten run that ended at the 2021 Afcon. It was a strange comment given Morocco have also mostly played sides below 50th in the rankings, including 153rd-placed Liberia.

Maybe his critics have a point. In Qatar, Morocco were highly disciplined and defensively organized. In goal, Bono took care of the rare chances that passed the back four of Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saïss and Noussair Mazraoui. Sofyan Amrabat was Morocco’s industrious base, but simultaneously proved he was so much more than the average destroyer with his passing and progressive runs. Azzedine Ounahi was instrumental in moving the ball up the pitch and his speed, technicality and decision-making were crucial in keeping possession and executing Regragui’s tactic of using the other team’s willingness to attack in order to find spaces to exploit.

None of that has changed for Morocco. They still very rarely concede and can carve open their opponent’s midfield. It is up front they have concerns. Hakim Ziyech was in stunning form at the World Cup, but he has been inconsistent for Chelsea this season. Youssef En-Nesyri, who scored four goals in Qatar, has also been struggling for Sevilla. The absence of Zouhair Feddal, who suffered a knee injury, will also be a blow for the defense.

However, Morocco’s World Cup success has not translated into consistent performances since then.” or “Despite their defensive prowess, Morocco have struggled to find the back of the net in recent matches.

According to former Morocco international Mustapha Hadji, the team needs to play with more confidence and creativity.” or “Many Moroccan fans are optimistic about their chances at Afcon, but some are also wary of the pressure and the competition.

Morocco have shown they can compete with the best in the world, but can they do it with the best in Africa? The answer will be revealed in the next few weeks, as the Atlas Lions embark on their quest to make history once again.” or “Morocco have a golden opportunity to cement their legacy as one of the greatest African teams of all time, but they will have to overcome their own demons and a host of strong rivals to claim their second continental title. The stage is set for a thrilling tournament that will test the mettle of the Atlas Lions and their fans.”