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Unlucky semi-finalists in 2022, Morocco know that expectations are high. The Atlas Lions, who won the last AFCON, are dreaming of clinching further silverware this summer. But the road ahead isn't easy. To take the next step, they must complete the daunting task of eliminating co-hosts Canada.
The Canadians have already had a successful World Cup. Playing on home soil in each of their opening three fixtures, they managed to get out of the group stage for the first time in history. However, if they hope to continue their journey in this competition, they know the standard will rise and they will therefore need to significantly raise their game.
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Which of these two teams will be the first to book their place in the quarter-finals? It's worth noting that the winner of this tie will face either Paraguay or France in the quarter-finals, with this contest taking place at the Boston Stadium next Thursday.
Canada v Morocco: Predictions
Morocco to qualify: 4/11 (bet365)
Achraf Hakimi to score or assist: 11/5 (bet365)
Odds correct at the time of publication, but subject to change.
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Morocco to progress
Can Morocco replicate or even better their performance of four years ago? At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of FIFA's flagship competition. That achievement created a platform for further success, as they have gone on to win the Arab Cup and the African Cup of Nations. Mohamed Ouahbi's men have even climbed to 7th in the FIFA rankings.
The Moroccans have experience of competing in big occasions, as well as a hugely talented squad. Morocco are led by Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi and can rely on the attacking talents of Bayern Munich's Ismaël Saibari, who has already scored three goals this summer. Let's not forget the selfless Brahim Diaz, who has provided two assists so far.
Meanwhile, Canada may have some degree of home advantage given that the match is being staged in neighbouring USA, but they are extremely inexperienced at this level. Canada have never previously made it to the knockout rounds. Getting through is already an achievement, but reaching the last 16 would be a colossal feat.
It's also worth noting that Canada and Morocco have already met at a World Cup, during the early stages of Morocco's famous run to the semi-finals in Qatar. The Atlas Lions secured a 2-1 victory thanks goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri.
The Canadians will therefore be on the hunt for revenge, but seem unlikely to defeat their esteemed opponents.
Prediction: Morocco to qualify: 4/11 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if Morocco progress to the next round.
A low-scoring affair
I don't expect there be too many goals in this one. Apart from the match against Haiti – where the gulf in class was colossal – Morocco have only scored once in their matches against Brazil, Scotland and the Netherlands. The Lions also only found the net once in their last World Cup warm-up match, drawing 1-1 with Norway.
While Morocco don't score many, they also don't concede many either. They only shipped one goal against Brazil and the Netherlands. They admittedly conceded twice against Haiti, but this included an own goal from experienced 'keeper Yassine Bounou.
Canada are following a similar trend. They only scored once against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland and South Africa. They did manage to put six past Qatar, but the Asian minnows played almost 40 minutes of the contest with nine men. Furthermore, Canada only scored once in their recent friendly with Ireland, a couple of months after drawing a blank against Tunisia.
They did score two against Uzbekistan in between those two meetings with the Irish and Tunisians, but a cursory glance at the final World Cup Group K standings – with particular focus on the goals against column – will tell you that this is hardly an impressive feat.
Therefore, the stats suggest that there is unlikely to be more than three goals during the regulation 90 minutes.
Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals: 2/9 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if there are three goals or fewer during the regulation 90 minutes.
Achraf Hakimi to leave his mark
Impressive against the Netherlands, Achraf Hakimi was unlucky not to score. The PSG defender hit the crossbar and advanced into attacking areas on numerous occasions throughout the match. As well as having three shots, he recorded more touches than any other player in a Moroccan shirt.
The 27-year-old has been in good form since the start of the tournament, as evidenced by his goal and assist against Haiti. If you want to see a full breakdown of Hakimi's stats, check out the Flashscore app (available for both iOS and Android).
Saturday's contest will be another chance for him to shine, as he looks to confirm his status as one of the world's very best. Given his immense attacking qualities, I’m backing him to exploit the spaces left by the Canadian defence and make a decisive impact in the final third.
Prediction: Achraf Hakimi to score or assist: 11/5 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Achraf Hakimi registers a goal or an assist (or both!) during the regulation 90 minutes.
Canada v Morocco: Odds
Match Result
To qualify
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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