Morocco concludes a remarkable qualification period as group winners

On the road to the African tournament, Morocco was not only paired with South Africa and Liberia, but Zimbabwe was also originally an opponent of the country that had so much success in the last World Cup. However, Zimbabwe was suspended by FIFA, meaning Morocco only needed to stay ahead of one country to qualify.

They achieved this in March, as Liberia couldn't match up against Morocco and South Africa. With a resounding victory over Liberia (3-0), Morocco also secured the top spot in the group with nine points. Amine Harit, Ayoub El Kaabi, and Amine Adli scored in Agadir. Oussama El Azzouzi (formerly of FC Emmen) started the match, while Tarik Tissoudali (ex-Telstar, SC Cambuur, VVV-Venlo, and De Graafschap) and Ismael Saibari (PSV) came off the bench.

Before this match, the draw for the Africa Cup had already been made. Morocco will face DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia in the group stage. The Moroccans will play their first group match on January 17, 2024.