Regragui warns against complacency in upcoming Lesotho encounter

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has warned his side against being too comfortable in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho at the Honneur Stadium on Monday evening.

Kick-off is at 21:00 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

The Atlas Lions have won all of their qualifying matches, despite already being guaranteed a spot in the next tournament since they’ll be hosting.

Their last fixture saw them defeat Gabon emphatically with a 5-1 scoreline and the Moroccans are currently at the top of Group B with 15 points to the good.

The last time the side faced Lesotho in September, they beat them 1-0 at the Adrar Stadium in the Souss-Massa region of their country.

For Likuena, the nation’s chances of qualifying for the next Afcon are quite slim but they will most certainly be playing for pride in this clash.

WHAT WAS SAID

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui is impressed with how his charges have handled the qualifiers, but is not showing off about their perfect record so far.

“We won by five goals to one [against Gabon] and succeeded in correcting several aspects of our play,” he said.

“We were more solid both defensively and offensively. This performance reflects our progress, but we know there’s still significant work ahead.”

The coach also showed his commitment to making sure that the team continues with their impressive form and playing a part in their growth.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Youssef En-Nesyri, Morocco - The striker who plies his trade for Turkish Super League club Fenerbahce scored in the team’s 5-1 victory over Gabon and will be a danger to Likuena’s defence if on form.

Neo Mokhachane, Lesotho - The 28-year-old Jwaneng Galaxy midfielder was on target in Likuena’s encounter against Central African Republic and will be hoping to show what he’s made of against a strong Atlas Lions side.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The two nations have only met once, which was their September fixture in the Afcon qualifiers in Morocco. The Atlas Lions won the match 1-0, meaning they have a perfect record against Likuena.