PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Khalid Boutaib - All eyes on Moroccan marksman

Khalid Boutaib of Morocco

Friday Nov 10, 2017. 10:00

Moroccan eyes will all fall on Khalid Boutaib as the Atlas Lions aim to book their return to the world stage in Abidjan tomorrow evening.

Ivory Coast play host to Morocco in a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday, with the Elephants needing nothing but victory if they are to qualify for a fourth successive showpiece.

Morocco, who last qualified for the World Cup in 1998, rose into pole position in Group C with a 3-0 thumping of Gabon in Casablanca last month.

Boutaib with the hat-trick for the North African's as they now turn their attention back to the reigning AFCON champions.

AMR GAMAL WANTS TO PROVE HIS WORTH FOR EGYPT

Despite the daunting task that awaits them in Abidjan, the 30-year-old, who only made his international debut last year, is confident Morocco can end their World Cup hiatus.

“We have our destiny in our hands," Boutaib told FIFA.com. "We do not need to worry about the result of the match between Mali and Gabon. It is of course a good thing, to be in good position just before a decisive match like this. But we know that it will be very difficult.

“Playing away from home, facing one of the best African teams, is not easy. There will be most of the stadium against us, even though we will have fans there to support us. We must expect a match with a lot of commitment, because the stakes are huge," he concluded.