Africa Cup of Nations: Cairo Welcomes the Atlas Lions and Les Elephants!

Morocco vs Ivory Coast

Win and you’re through.

That’s the simple message for both nations ahead of this Africa Cup of Nations Group D clash in the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo.

After making a winning start against South Africa, some fans may have a sneaky backing for the Ivory Coast, winners of this trophy in 2015.

Others will tip Morocco, who required an 89th-minute own goal to gift them a potentially crucial victory in their opener, spoiling an enterprising performance from a Namibian side making their first appearance since 2008.

It was a far from convincing showing from one of the pre-tournament favourites, who have drawn three of their seven group stage games at the Africa Cup of Nations and failed to win four of their seven matches in all competitions.

Yet one more success in what is considered the Group of Death and they will already be through to the knockout stages.

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2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Talking Points

Why shouldn’t we expect Africa Cup of Nations highlights in this one, given the talent on show.

Morocco, led by two-time winning coach Herve Renard, have, in my opinion, someone who could be the player of the tournament.

Look back to many games last season and the talent of Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech (19 goals and 16 assists for his club) is evident.

The Atlas Lions and French coach Renard – who previously triumphed with Zambia in 2012 and indeed the Ivory Coast in this tournament four years ago – also has Celta Vigo forward Sofiane Boufal at his disposal, along with Nordin Amrabat.

Morocco also have a strong spine with central defenders Medhi Benatia and Romain Saïss, central midfielder Youssef Aït Bennasser and striker Youssef En-Nesyri.

Of course, Ivory Coast certainly aren’t lacking in talent either.

In Lille’s Nicolas Pépé they have a player who is a class act and really dangerous from set-pieces. The winger forms a formidable partnership with Max Gradel – who has delivered the assist for two of Ivory Coast’s last three goals at the tournament – on the other side and Aston Villa man Jonathan Kodjia, who scored his side’s winner in their opener, leading the line.

Manager Ibrahima Kamara also has a strong midfield consisting of Geoffroy Serey Dié, Franck Kessié and Fulham’s talented but inconsistent Jean Michaël Seri, while Spurs man Serge Aurier is an important mainstay in their defence.

Add in Wilfried Zaha, Souleyman Doumbia and Maxwel Cornet, who all came off the bench in the 1-0 success against South Africa, and it’s clear they also have a strength in depth.

As group stage matches go, this contest will be well worth watching.

Africa Cup of Nations: Morocco will be eyeing for a win against a tough Ivory Coast side? — Morocco head coach Herve Renard at the touchline during the match against Namibia

History

They’ve had some ding-dongs over the years.

Perhaps we should not be surprised given this is the Atlas Lions versus Les Elephants!

In fact, two of their first four ever encounters ended 4-4 and 3-3 respectively!

Since then, the goals have dried up somewhat but it’s rare this contest has finished goalless.

Overall, it’s been pretty close too with both nations claiming six wins each in total and the other seven meetings ending level.

Morocco have won the past two.

One was a qualifier for last summer’s World Cup in Russia when two goals in four minutes from Nabil Dirar and Mehdi Benatia sealed a 2-0 success.

They also met in this competition two years ago when a solitary goal from Rachid Alioui midway through the second half knocked the Ivorians, then holders, out of the competition.

Aside from a friendly victory, the last time the Ivory Coast defeated Morocco competitively was in this competition in 2006 when a Didier Drogba penalty separated the teams.

Betting Tip

	Morocco vs Ivory Coast	1X2 Draw @ 2.96
	June 29, 01:00 (GMT+8)

The SBOBET Africa Cup of Nations betting odds edge this towards the Ivorians, despite their recent head-to-head record.

1X2 odds have the Ivory Coast priced @ 2.20 and Morocco out @ 3.05.

With Asian Handicap betting, there are a few odds to consider before placing your bet.

The Ivory Coast are -0.25 @ 1.86 and Morocco +0.25 @ 1.98.

I would have thought goals are expected in this one and you can get odds of @ 2.02 for over 2.00 goals, yet you can also back total goal 0-1 @ 2.01, while total goal 2-3 is available @ 1.86.

For a goal glut, how about total goal 4-6 @ 5.80?

The best available Double Chance or Draw bet is for Morocco or Draw @ 1.53.

A repeat of their last encounter – correct score Morocco 2-0 Ivory Coast – will payout at a very attractive @ 22.00.

However, I’m opting for honours even – something that has happened in seven of their 19 meetings.