AFCON 2023 Day 10 Preview: Intriguing match between DR Congo and Morocco; neighbors South Africa and Namibia clash

An enticing matchup will begin the slate of matches on Sunday with a popular pick to win the competition, Morocco, facing off with a DR Congo team that is considered a “dark horse” to make a deep run. Both teams impressed in their opening matches with Morocco dispatching a weak Tanzania selection while the Leopards dominated against Zambia but were held to a draw.

The atmosphere around the Moroccan selection is a business-like mentality. Coach Walid Regragui and his players are focused on obtaining a result that will clinch advancement to the knockout stages while showing the necessary respect to a talented Congolese team. Regragui mentioned the fact that the match will be the opening clash of the day, meaning that the intense heat and humidity will be a factor.

For the opening match, Regragui was forced to use natural right back Mohamed Chibi on the left flank but it appears that Wydad AC left back Yahia Attiyat-Allah is ready to return to the pitch while Noussair Mazraoui continues to make progress with his injury. Attiyat-Allah is set to return to a strong defensive line that includes Achraf Hakimi at right back and the central defensive partnership of Nayef Aguerd and captain Romain Saïss in front of superstar goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Manchester United defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat adds to the impenetrability of the Atlas Lions defense.

Azzedine Ounahi was excellent in the central midfield along with Selim Amallah, both players who do well to connect the Moroccan defense to attack. Regragui may rotate in a player like Amine Harit but no risks will be taken against the Congolese who figure to be the most difficult opponent in Group F. Youssef En-Nesyri will lead the attacking line with set piece specialist Hakim Ziyech on the right wing and perhaps Sofiane Boufal on the left after his recovery from the flu. However the starter on the left from the last match, Abde Ezzalzouli, is more than capable to play for Boufal again.