AFCON 2013: Morocco vs South Africa preview

January 26, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

South Africa vs AngolaMorocco will have their work cut out for them in the final group game, even though a win would see the Atlas Lions make it to the quarter-finals.

South Africa recovered from the opening setback to beat Angola and they now need just one more point to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Morocco were always going to have problems after star players Adel Taarabt and Marouane Chamakh were left out of the final squad, but the team, nevertheless, produced a very good performance in their opening fixture.

Rachid Taoussi’s side completely outplayed Angola, but could not convert any of their chances and had to settle for a goalless draw.

Morocco were then expected to build on that showing and see off Cape Verde, but the Atlas Lions were well below par against their less illustrious opponents and were lucky to pick up one point.

They are now in a very difficult position as they need to beat hosts South Africa to qualify, and Morocco are 3.40 (12/5) with bet365 to win their final group game.

With star midfielder Younes Belhanda suspended after picking up two yellow cards, the Atlas Lions are clearly in for a very difficult task.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lamyaghri – Achchakir, El Adoua, Benatia, Bergdich – El Ahmadi, Chafni – Amrabat, Barrada, Assaidi – El Hamdaoui.

Having been utterly disappointing at the 2010 World Cup in front of their own fans, South Africa were determined to make things right at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana Bafana looked to be heading for yet another failure after only mustering a goalless draw against Cape Verde, but they showed a lot of improvement to record a 2-0 win over Angola in the second group game.

A morale-boosting win was just what the team needed after being heavily criticized over the last few weeks, and that should keep them in good stead for the Morocco clash.

With the back line led by impressive Itumeleng Khune looking really good at the start of the tournament, bear in mind South Africa are 2.62 (13/8) with SkyBet to keep their third successive clean sheet.

Striker Lehlohonolo Majoro is out injured, while fellow forward Tokelo Rantie is doubtful with an ankle problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Khune – Ngconca, Sangweni, Khumalo, Masilela – Phala, Letsholonyane, Furman, Tshabalala – Mphela, Parker.

Bet In-Play Offer – £20 Free Bet Every Day!

This month if you bet in:play 6 times in a day SportingBet will give you a free £20 bet the day after. Just place 6 or more in:play bets and get a free bet the day after. Hurry, offer ends Jan 31, 2013!

We Highly Recommend These Places
Share your Opinion!