Morocco take on Malawi on Tuesday at 20:00 GMT in a round-of-16 clash, with a berth in the quarter-finals at stake.
Match Preview
Can Morocco Continue their Unbeaten Run?
Unbeaten so far in the Tournament, Morocco will be the favorites to qualify for the quarter-finals on Tuesday’s clash against Malawi.
Although this will bring pressure, Morocco’s performances in the group stage showed confidence, which will be essential deeper into the tournament.
Can Malawi Cause an Upset?
Morocco will be the favorites on Tuesday. Malawi will have to play as the underdogs and seek to cause an upset against one of the traditional footballing powerhouses of Africa.
Malawi will look to contain Morocco’s attack while remaining a goal threat in transition.
Form Guide
Morocco
Morocco won two of their three group stage matches and drew the other 2-2 with Gabon. They scored 5 goals and conceded 3 throughout the group stage.
They will take their unbeaten record to the round-of-16 match against Malawi.
Malawi
Malawi lost 1-0 to Guinea in the AFCON opener, won 2-1 against Zimbabwe, and drew 0-0 against Senegal.
They finished the group stage having scored 2 goals and conceded 2.
Team News
The Morocco camp reports a fully fit squad raring to go ahead of the round-of-16 clash against Malawi on Tuesday.
Malawi also reports a clean bill of health for its squad following their efforts in the group stages. This will come as a boost for Malawi ahead of what is expected to be a tough examination by Morocco on Tuesday.
Possible Starting Lineups
Morocco
Bono; A. Hakini, R. Saiss, N. Aguerd, A. Masina; S. Mmaee; A. Ounah, S. Amallah, I. Louza, S. Boufal; Z. Aboukhlal
Malawi
Thomu; S. Sanudi, L. Chaziya, D. Chembezi, G. Chirwa; M. Mhone, C. Idana, J. Banda, F. Madinga; K. Muyaba, G. Mhango
Players to Watch
Sofiane Boufal
The Angers winger was been in inspired form for Morocco at the AFCON tournament in Cameroon.
He has notched 2 goals already and added Morocco to qualify for the round-of-16 match where they will face Malawi.
The 28-yer-old’s goals and creative play from wide areas will be crucial for Morocco against Malawi’s compact defense and what is expected to be a conservative approach.
Gabadinho Mhango
The Orlando Pirates striker has notched two goals so far in the AFCON tournament in Cameroon. Both goals came in only win for Malawi in Group B, in the 2-1 defeat of Zimbabwe.
Mhango will be crucial for Malawi as they face one of the most accomplished teams at the tournament, Morocco, on Tuesday.
Mhango’s partnership with Muyaba upfront will be crucial in giving Malawi an outlet against Morocco that are expected to dominate possession.
Prediction
Expect Morocco to dominate the game by retaining possession and patients building up play from the back. They will seek to create chances through short passes through midfield.
Expect Malawi to play a compact and disciplined team with sharp counter-attacks and winning second balls across the pitch.
Morocco have the quality and discipline to come out of this match unscathed. A Morocco win is the most likely result.
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