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Egypt and Morocco Face Off in AFCON Match of the Quarters

Two of Africa’s Best Meet Early in Knockout Stage

In what should be the most intriguing match of the African Cup of Nations quarterfinals, Egypt face Morocco. Both teams won hard-fought battles to reach the quarterfinals and it’s unfortunate that only one of these African giants can move on to the semis.

According to the latest soccer odds, it’s more likely to be Morocco in the semis as they are +150 favorites but a draw isn’t far behind at +175.

Egypt vs Morocco: Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks & Predictions
KHALED DESOUKI / AFP
  • Game: Egypt vs Morocco
  • Location: Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
  • Date/Time: Sunday, 11 a.m. ET

Egypt vs Morocco Betting Preview

Head to Head

Morocco have historically dominated this series but the three recent meetings have ended in wins for both teams and a draw. Morocco most recently defeated Egypt 3-1, to win 4-2 on aggregate, in the 2017 African Nations Championship first round.

Egypt Survive and Advance

Egypt looked like they might be in trouble following an opening match defeat to Nigeria. They’ve since kept three consecutive shutouts and are on to the quarterfinals after outlasting Ivory Coast in penalties.

Substitute goalie Mohamed Abo Gabal saved Eric Bailly’s penalty and Mo Salah came up clutch, as he often does. Egypt’s mercurial winger scored the winning penalty to send the Pharaohs through.

Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz has come under fire for his “negative” tactics but they appeared to work well against a talented Ivory Coast team. Ivory Coast had the bulk of possession and Egypt were content to let them have the ball and make mistakes. When they did, Egypt pounced and had a few chances but the game was ultimately scoreless through normal and extra time.

Not the most talented team left in the tournament, Egypt are still one of the more popular soccer picks to win it all. Expect more of the same tactics vs Morocco on Sunday. This particular match has moved pitches twice, once because of the state of the field in Douala and again because of the tragedy at the Olembe Stadium ahead of Cameroon’s round of 16 win vs Comoros, Check Egypt Premier League 2023.

Morocco Complete the Comeback

Like Egypt, Morocco are already battle-tested having played Ghana in the Group Stage. Morocco came away with a 1-0 win in that one and finished first in Group C with two wins and a draw. They’ve been a solid pick for betting online in both AFCON and CAF World Cup Qualifiers.

Morocco have a talented roster chock full of players in Europe’s top five leagues, 13 to be exact. Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech was controversially left out of the team but Morocco have done well regardless.

Captain and center back Romain Saiss is a key player for upstart Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, right back Achraf Hakimi has hit the ground running at PSG and Yassine Bounou or “Bono” is the number one keeper for a Sevilla side in the La Liga title race.

Hakimi was the hero last match as his second-half free kick sent Malawi packing in Morocco’s 2-1 round of 16 win. It was his second straight match converting a free kick and Youssef En-Nesyri scored the game tying goal in the first half after Morocco went down within 10 minutes.

While obviously not ideal, Morocco have shown resilience to come back from losing positions three times in the last two matches. Even if Egypt get an early goal it’ll be hard to count the Atlas Lions out.

Prediction

This should be a tight match but Egypt’s game plan could be thrown off if they concede early here. Morocco have been one of the highest-scoring teams in a tournament that has often lacked goals.

I do expect Morocco to find the net in this one but I’m not sure if the Egyptians have the all-around quality to do the same, despite having Mo Salah. Morocco at +150 in the sportsbook isn’t a bad bet.

Pick: Morocco (+150)

 

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