The Moroccans are referred to as the Lions of the Atlas. They are ranked 61st in the world according to FIFA. The national team is currently managed by Eric Gerets—once PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg, Galatasaray and Olympique Marseille coach. 29-year-old Serie A midfielder, Houssine Kharja, acts as the team’s captain.
In this profile, you will understand why the Moroccans should not only consider themselves as one of Northern Africa’s best footballing country but also as one of the entire continent’s most dangerous side. Let’s look back at Morocco’s AFCON history!
Gold, Silver and Bronze
Forget about the 1972 African Cup of Nations fiasco. That tournament was Morocco’s first and inexperience condemned them to a Round 1 exit. Despite remaining unbeaten in the group stages, the Lions of the Atlas didn’t do enough to qualify. 1-1 draws against Congo-Brazzaville, Sudan and Zaire left them third in Group B.
Four years later, Morocco ruled Africa. Their dream success happened in Ethiopia. During the qualification stage, the Lions thrashed Gambia and Senegal. Ghana provided the Moroccans with the biggest test in the very last qualifying tie. The Black Stars took a comfortable 2-0 lead ahead of the second leg, but the hungry Lions of the Atlas staged a comeback to gain victory on penalties en route to the promised land.
Sudan held Morocco to a 2-2 draw on the first Matchday. The Arabic nation finally claimed its first ever AFCON win by forcing Zaire to a 1-0 defeat. Nigeria followed Zaire as victims; Morocco triumphed 3-1. The Lions of the Atlas eventually cruised into the Final Round as winners of their group.
The Egyptians and the Nigerians succumbed to Morocco’s growing power in the decisive 4-team table. Guinea managed to hold Morocco to a 1-1 draw but this result was not enough for them to leapfrog Morocco at the top of the standings. Consequently, the 1976 Moroccan national team made history by becoming kings of Africa.
At the 1980 African Cup of Nations, the Lions of the Atlas clinched bronze medals. After reaching the knockout phase as runners-up of a group comprising Ghana, Guinea and Algeria, Morocco came up against hosts Nigeria. Encouraged by the home support, the Super Eagles went on to defeat the 1972 AFCON champions. The latter found comfort in the third place final; they recorded a 2-0 win over the Pharaohs of Egypt.
Morocco’s Nations Cup adventures suffered many unfortunate stints. In 2004, the Lions of the Atlas got their best shot in 24 years. They went all the way to the final—beating Nigeria and Benin in the group stages, Algeria in the Last 8 and Mali in the semifinals. But once again, the hosts factor went against the Moroccans. They fell to host nation Tunisia in the final and had to settle for silver medals.
Morocco’s national team later made it to the 2006 and 2008 AFCON but crashed in Round 1. The Lions of the Atlas failed to reach Angola 2010. Their participation at the 2015 AFCON is guaranteed as they have been granted the right to stage the tournament. In the meantime, what impression will they create at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and in Equatorial Guinea?
Morocco at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.jpg)
Morocco survived pressure from Algeria, Tanzania and the Central African Republic during the qualification campaign. They picked up 11 points from a possible 18 to win Group D. The Lions of the Atlas will have to compete against underdogs Niger, 2004 AFCON champions Tunisia and 2012 AFCON co-hosts Gabon. Isn’t it correct to say that Morocco’s chances of reaching the quarterfinals are slim?
Morocco’s 2012 AFCON squad goes as follows:
Goalkeepers: Nadir Lamyaghri, Mohamed Amsif, Issam Badda
Defenders: Michael Chretien Basser, Abdelfettah Boukhriss, Mehdi Benatia, Abdelhamid Kouatri, Jamal Alioui, Moustapha Mrani, Ahmed Kantari, Badr El Kaddouri
Midfielders: Houssine Kharja, Younes Belhanda, Karim El Ahmadi, Nordin Amrabat, Adil Hermach, Mehdi Carcela, Adel Taarabt, Oussama Assaidi, Mbark Boussoufa
Forwards: Marouane Chamakh, Youssef Hadji, Youssef El Arabi
Read next team profile - Niger.
