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Preview: Morocco vs. Liberia - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 7 September 2023, 20:04
Morocco and Liberia drew the curtain on their respective Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns with an encounter at Stade Adrar on Saturday night.

The hosts have already secured their place for next year's continental football showpiece and now set out to finish top of their qualifying group.

Match preview

Morocco fell to a 2-1 defeat against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa when the teams locked horns at the First National Bank Stadium on June 17.

Walid Regragui's men went into the interval trailing following a Munir own goal and soon found themselves down by two thanks to Zakhele Lepasa's strike before Hakim Ziyech halved the deficit right on the hour mark.

As a result, the Atlas Lions have dropped down to second place in Group K of the AFCON qualifiers, albeit just one point adrift of top spot with a game in hand.

Next up is the challenge of facing off against an opposing outfit who suffered a 2-0 loss in the only previous edition of this fixture back in June 2022.

Unbeaten in front of their fans for over two years, Saturday's hosts will be looking to put on a show for their fans and secure a first home win since their famous 2-1 triumph over Brazil in March.

Liberia were beaten on home turf yet again as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against South Africa at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium on March 28.

Ansumana Keita's men went behind to Zakhele Lepasa's 19th-minute strike but managed to restore parity through William Jebor after which Mihlali Mayambela grabbed the winner eight minutes into the second period.

Having managed just one point from their three AFCON qualifiers so far, the Lone Stars remain rooted to the bottom of their group, a whopping five points shy of this weekend's opponents in second.

Winless in eight straight matches across all competitions, the visitors will be keen to turn their fortunes around starting with this weekend's trip to Agadir.

Morocco Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

Morocco form (all competitions):

L

L

W

D

D

L

Liberia Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

Liberia form (all competitions):

D

L

D

L

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Team News

Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat may have to wait a little longer for his 50th international appearance as he continues to battle with a back problem.

Youssef En-Nesyri scored the clinching goal in the only previous encounter between Saturday's opponents and will be looking to deliver the goods once again.

Forward Albert Korvah is on course to make his debut for Liberia having been called up to the national team squad for the first time ever.

William Jebor's strike against South Africa last time out was his 13th for the visitors, moving him within five goals of the legendary George Weah's all-time record of 18.

Morocco possible starting lineup:

Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Attiyat Allah; Harit, Ounahi, Amallah, El Khannous; El Kaabi, En-Nesyri

Liberia possible starting lineup:

Songo; Pabai, Dweh, Balde, Dorley; Tisdell, Adukor, Kenneh, Njie; Jebor, Kamara

We say: Morocco 3-0 Liberia

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