2019 Africa Cup of Nations – Morocco vs Namibia Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Morocco vs Namibia taking place? Sunday 23rd June, 2019 – 15:30 (UK)
Where is Morocco vs Namibia taking place? Al Salam Stadium, Cairo
What television channel is Morocco vs Namibia on? Eurosport 2
Where can I stream Morocco vs Namibia? Subscribers can stream the match via Eurosport Player
Where can I get tickets for Morocco vs Namibia? https://www.footballticketnet.com/2019-africa-cup-of-nations
THE TEAM NEWS
MOROCCO
- Morocco qualified for the tournament as winners of qualifying group B where they finished ahead of Cameroon. They reached the quarter-finals in 2017 but that is only one of two times they have made past the group stage since 1998.
- Positives for Morocco are that they should be well-suited to the weather conditions expected in Egypt during the tournament and they are coached by two-time AFCON winner Herve Renard. Despite their recent record at the Africa Cup of Nations, they have a good chance of going deep in the tournament.
- They have plenty of quality and experience in their ranks including the likes of captain Medhi Benatia and key attacking player Hakim Ziyech who is coming into the tournament on the back of a fine season at Ajax where he shone during their run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
NAMIBIA
- Namibia scraped into the tournament as runners-up in a weak qualifying group topped by Guinea-Bissau; they won only two of their six qualifying matches and finished with a goal difference of minus two.
- This is their first appearance at the finals since 2008 and only the third time at the finals in their history, while they have yet to win a group match in six attempts.
- Their expectations are very low and having being placed in such a tough group, any points they pick up will be a big positive for the minnows.
THE PREDICTION
Morocco have a favourable opening fixture in their quest to win a first AFCON title since 1976. The Atlas Lions have an underwhelming recent record at the tournament but they look well-equipped to challenge on this occasion with the classy Hakim Ziyech capable of being one of the stars of the tournament. Namibia were delighted just to make it through to the finals and it is unlikely they will be able to stop Morocco from claiming a comfortable victory in this encounter.
