Atlas Lions to make the most of unexpected advantage?

by Thando Mpembe

Monday Jun 10, 2024. 14:30

Congo will be eyeing their first win in their encounter against Morocco in the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Stade Adrar on Tuesday evening.

The match was originally scheduled to be played in Kinshasa, but FIFA did not approve of its use and the clash will be played in Morocco, giving Walid Regragui’s men a home ground advantage.

Kick-off is at 21:00 CAT.

Morocco are currently at the top of the Group E standings with a game in hand and ahead of matchday four in the qualifiers, the nation will be hoping to hold onto their spot.

The Atlas Lions have not lost a single match in the group, as for Congo they are fifth in the table and have lost the only match that they’ve played against Zambia, where they were defeated 4-0 back in November 2023.

The Red Devils have two games in hand, as their clash against Niger was postponed in the previous week. Eritrea withdrew from the qualifiers as well as a reason for this circumstance.

Congo has a poor record against Morocco and has never won in their three meetings, losing twice and playing to a draw on one occasion.

After a historic run in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco made it to the semi-finals and will be keen to qualify for the next edition of the competition. With a switch in the venue, the odds might be in their favour.