Titleholders Morocco will battle with Mali in the final of the African Nations Championship on Sunday night at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.
The game will mark the conclusion of the 6th edition of the competition that involves only players who ply their trade in their respective nations’ local leagues.
Having never recorded success in the competition, the Eagles of Mali are aiming their first title on Sunday, while Morocco are seeking to defend their CHAN crown.
While Houcine Ammouta’s troops have lived up to their billing of being one of the per-tournament favorites by reaching the final, Mali, on the other hand, have come on in leaps and bounds as the tournament progressed, impressing critics with their eye-catching football.
Mali sealed their place in the final after winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout to eliminate their neighbours Guinea, while Morocco hammered hosts Cameroon 4-0 at the Limbe Stadium to book their place in the match in Yaounde.
The Eagles will be playing in their second CHAN final after losing to Congo DR in 2016. Their record in this season’s tournament has been impressive as they have conceded one goal in the competition this season, fewer than any other team.
On the other hand, Morocco are unbeaten in their last 12 African Nations Championship games, their last defeat in the competition was against Côte d’Ivoire in the 2016 group stage. It’s the longest ever run for any team in the competition.
The Atlas Lions will be looking to emulate DR Congo, who won the title in 2009 and 2016, though they have made a record of their own by becoming the first team in history to reach two consecutive African Nations Championship finals.
Morocco coach Ammouta is well aware of the challenge against the formidable West African opponent but he remains hopeful of making history.
“We hope to win the trophy for the second time in a row. We are going to play our game, with a concentrated and determined start,” said Moroccan coach Houcine Ammouta.
“It is true that we are favourites, because statistically, we have the best numbers. For us, everything has been positive. Sunday, it will be necessary to create the same environment as in previous matches to repeat the feat and win the trophy.
“Mali is a solid team defensively. In the final, we have to be focused and decisive, especially in attack to push them to open the game which will allow us to play a higher level of football. The game will be played on details.”
Their task is expected to be simple with captain Ayoub El Kaabi and his compatriot Soufiane Rahimi expected to lead the North African in their quest to retain their title.
Mali have players who were U-17 World Champions in 2015 but also some who were crowned with the U-20s during the U-20 AFCON in 2019.
Attempting to ramp up the pressure on their opponents, the Eagles coach Nouhoum Diane asserted that Ammouta’s men are favourites heading into the encounter and are under all the pressure of living up to their tag.
“We have the possibility of doing something. We will play against Morocco, a great team, but psychologically we are ready. I think the matches are not the same. Morocco have some talented forwards and it’s up to us to stop them so they don’t score like they did in their previous matches,” said coach Diane.
“Physically, the players have recovered after two long matches and this is thanks to the great work done by the medical staff. As I often say, everything will be decided during the meeting.”
Kenyan referees Peter Waweru and Gilbert Cheruiyot will be on duty during the much-awaited clash at the Amadou Ahidjo Stadium.
The final’s other officials will be Cameroon nationals Carine Atezambong Fomo and Alioum Alioum who will be the second assistant referee and fourth official respectively.
Ethiopian Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, Zambian Janny Sikazwe and Cameroonian Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue will be the match’s Video Assistant Referees.
