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From Salah magic to Gabon’s nightmare: what were the key issues of AFCON in Morocco?

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From Salah magic to Gabon's nightmare: what were the key issues of AFCON in Morocco?

Moroccan fairy tales from residence

Morocco, who suffered a disappointing loss within the spherical of 16 towards Ivory Coast two years in the past, entered their opening match final month with excessive expectations.

Buoyed by vocal home assist in current weeks, the Atlas Lions have been on the heart of what has develop into a real fairytale match, with Walid Reglagi’s high-flying facet extensively seen as excellent candidates to assert their first AFCON crown since 1976.

Morocco are quickly driving an enormous wave of momentum as they advance to this summer time’s World Cup finals in North America and shall be positioned in the identical group as South American icon Brazil.

This month’s hosts have additionally earned a popularity for his or her defensive energy, having clinched their ticket to the semi-finals final week with a 2-0 win over Cameroon to gather Africa’s highly effective scalp.

Morocco, who’ve conceded only one AFCON aim of their first 5 matches thus far, will tackle Nigeria on the Stade Prince Moulay Advala on Wednesday evening.

Gabon’s public disaster

Gabon might have seen their World Cup goals come to an finish after shedding 4-1 to Nigeria on November 13, however they traveled to Morocco with the temper reportedly at an all-time excessive in camp.

Batting famous person Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was additionally anticipated to play a number one function as they intention to return to AFCON and problem for a severe knockout stage.

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However Gabon, who misplaced all three of their Group F matches by an combination rating of 7-4 with out selecting up a single level, have since discovered themselves on the heart of a social disaster.

After shedding 3-2 to former AFCON champions Ivory Coast on New Yr’s Eve, Gabon’s authorities surprisingly introduced that it was suspending all nationwide workforce duties.

In addition to the sacking of head coach Thierry Muyuma, there was additionally the shock announcement that Aubameyang can be banned from future workforce choice, with Sports activities Minister Simplice Desiree Mamboula describing their AFCON journey as “disgraceful”.

Salah and Diaz ignite AFCON

It was definitely Mohamed Salah who stole lots of the pre-AFCON headlines on the heart of an enormous story on Merseyside together with his notorious tirade towards Liverpool supervisor Arne Slott final month.

Salah continues his record-breaking run in Morocco, though there might proceed to be hypothesis that the Anfield marquee might have performed his final recreation for the Premier League giants.

The 33-year-old, who unexpectedly spearheaded Egypt’s cost to the ultimate 4, has discovered the again of the online in all 4 of his AFCON appearances over the previous few weeks, solely additional underscoring his standing as Egypt’s most iconic star in historical past.

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However Actual Madrid famous person Brahim Dias, who scored his personal aim within the quarter-finals in Morocco’s 2-0 win over Cameroon final week, lit up his nation and appears just like the standout to be named the match’s greatest participant.

In actual fact, the 26-year-old has surprisingly scored in all 5 of Morocco’s AFCON appearances, and the Whites attacker is aware of his inventory could be very excessive.

All eyes are on the ultimate 4

With groups like reigning AFCON champions Ivory Coast eradicated, all eyes will now be on the ultimate 4 and what’s anticipated to be an thrilling match on Wednesday evening.

Morocco and their extremely stout protection could also be seeking to take one other leap in the direction of a second African crown, however the hosts face a heavy problem this month once they face historic foes Nigeria in Rabat.

With qualification for Sunday’s marquee occasion at stake, a lot of the eye shall be on Salah and Egypt in midweek in Tangier.

Egypt shall be searching for some well-known revenge on the Stade Ibn Battuta after a heartbreaking expertise in a serious World Cup qualifier once they final confronted Senegal in March 2022.

AFCON semi-final dates:

  • Wednesday 14 January: Senegal vs Egypt – 17:30 (Tanger)
  • Wednesday 14 January: Nigeria vs Morocco 20:00 (Rabat)

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