Nickname: Atlas Lions
Previous Appearances: 15 (1972, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2013)
Best Finish: Champions (1976)
Who are they?
Since winning the trophy in 1976, Morocco have endured a near abysmal record at the Nations Cup with 10 group stage exits, one quarterfinal finish and two fourth place finishes. Their previous best performances have been second and third place once each. In fact, since finishing as runners-up in 2004, they have not gone beyond the group stage in subsequent tournaments and failed to qualify at all in 2010 and 2015! For a country with the talent and organization of Morocco, that is a shockingly bad record. That might explain their decision to hire Herve Renard, who masterminded an unlikely win for Zambia, then followed it up by breaking Côte d’Ivoire’s title hoodoo.
Route to Qualification
The Atlas Lions topped group F with five wins and one draw to earn 16 points, scoring 10 goals and impressively conceding just once. In the process, busting Cape Verde’s giant-killing myth.
Definition of Success
Morocco fans want nothing but the trophy, despite a poor record at recent tournaments, but a semifinal finish would still be celebrated.
Biggest rivals
There are few teams Morocco will want to beat as much as their Arab neighbors Egypt, and that match-up could happen as early as the quarterfinals depending on how both teams finish. Otherwise, they’d both have to reach the Final.
Top 3 players
Mehdi Benatia, Defender, Juventus
The 29-year-old captain, who made his debut for the Atlas Lions in 2008, is an inspirational and imposing figure. His recent experience playing in the German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and UEFA Champions League should come in handy during the three-week tournament.
Nordin Amrabat, Midfielder, Watford
Looking for an X-factor in this team? This might just be the man to provide it. The exciting winger, who has added defensive qualities to his game this season, has great ability on the ball, but adds a versatility extra which could be key when the need arises.
Youssef El-Arabi, Striker, Lekhwaya
Despite moving to the Middle East, the front man’s goals haven’t dried up for both club and country as he impressively continues to lead the line. A return of 15 goals in 39 outings says enough about how lethal this man can be.
Who brings the African league flavour?
Ismail Haddad
The Wydad Casablanca midfielder has recently been invited to the national team, earning two caps in games played in the past two months. Certainly a valuable addition to a team that has little or no playing experience on the continent.
How far will they go?
Realistically, it’s hard to see past another group stage exit considering the quality of opposition in front of them.
By Colin Udoh/KweseSports
@ColinUdoh on Twitter
