Morocco coach Eric Gerets has revealed that his Atlas Lions have big ambitions before the start of the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

It’s been 36 years since Morocco won their first and only African Cup of Nations title, but Eric Gerets believes his current side have what it takes to go all the way.

“Our target is to win the title and dedicate it to the Moroccan people, and this generation is capable of doing so,” Gerets said at a press conference.

“Morocco team is ready to play in CAN and achieve their aim and our preparations went well as we had our European based and injured players back.

“Our short stay in Marbella saw the return of Marouane Chamakh and Mehdi Benatia so I can now say that we are ready.”

Morocco are ranked as fourth favourites for the coveted title by the online bookmakers, and William Hill pays no less than 10.00 (9/1) on the Atlas Lions to win the tournament.

Morocco squad:

Goalkeepers: Nadir Lamyaghri (Wydad Casablanca), Issam Badda (FUS Rabat), Mohamed Amsif (Augsburg, Germany)

Defenders: Jamal Allioui (Al Kharytiyath, Qatar), Michael Chretien (Bursaspor, Turkey), Badr El Kaddouri (Celtic, Scotland), Abdelhamid El Kaoutari (Montpellier,France), Mehdi Benatia (Udinese, Italy), Abdelfattah Boukhriss (FUS Rabat), Mustapha Mrani (MAS), Ahmed Kantari (Brest, France)

Midfielders: Houcine Kharja (Fiorentina, Italy), Adil Hermach (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Karim Ahmadi (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Younes Belhanda (Montpellier, France), Mbark Boussoufa (Anzhi Makhachkala, Russia), Youssouf Hadji (Rennes, France), Mehdi Carcela (Anzhi Makhachkala, Russia)

Forwards: Noureddine Amrabat (Kayserispor, Turkey), Oussama Assaidi (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Youssef El Arabi (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Adel Taarabt (Queens Park Rangers, England), Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal, England)