In their final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Morocco could leapfrog South Africa at the top of Group K, as the Atlas Lions prepare to welcome Liberia at the Stade Adrar on Saturday night.
Kick-off is at 9:00pm (SA, GMT+2)
Morocco enjoyed a fruitful run at the beginning of their Afcon qualifier bid, recording back-to-back wins against South Africa and Liberia in June last year.
With Zimbabwe suspended by Fifa in February 2022, over government interference in the Zimbabwe Football Association, Morocco’s fixtures with the nation were subsequently cancelled. (Scheduled for the 19th and 27th September 2022)
With Group K reduced to just three active teams, Morocco secured qualification after winning their first two matches.
Speaking at a conference, Morocco coach Walid Regragui explained why Hakim Ziyech was excluded from his team and mentioned the Atlas Lion fan favourite will use the international break to prepare for life in Turkey.
“Hakim is a player I trust, and this is an opportunity for him to prepare well for his start with Galatasaray," Regragui said.
Regragui also gave his thoughts on the budding Saudi Pro League where he mentioned that players can now secure their financial future in the country.
“When they reach 32 years of age, with the end of their careers approaching, and they are faced with choices that can either secure their financial future and ensure a quality life, telling them to stay in Europe becomes somewhat challenging,” Regragui added.
“They have already made sacrifices in their careers,”
“For me, today, the Saudi league is better than that of Belgium or the Netherlands.”
Liberia are winless in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and recorded just one point in three matches played so far.
The Lone Stars began their qualifying bid with a 2-0 defeat against Morocco, which was followed by a 2-2 draw against South Africa on away soil.
However, a 2-1 loss against Bafana Bafana at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in March earlier this year saw Liberia miss out on booking their spot in next year’s tournament.