Morocco and Angola are set to ignite the CHAN 2024 tournament with a mouthwatering Group A clash at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. With both sides eyeing a perfect start, the stakes couldn’t be higher in this encounter featuring two teams with contrasting CHAN histories but similar ambitions.
Morocco, two-time champions in 2018 and 2020, are on a mission to become the first team to win three CHAN titles. The Atlas Lions enter the competition with a commanding 13-match unbeaten streak and a reputation for starting strong. Their recent performances in the tournament, including a 4-0 thrashing of Mauritania in 2018 and a 1-0 victory over Togo in 2020, speak volumes about their readiness.
The Moroccan camp is full of belief and focus, with the head coach stressing the importance of a confident start to build tournament momentum. The squad, made up entirely of locally-based players, has been carefully prepared to handle the pressure and expectations that come with being defending champions. Team captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat highlighted the squad’s experience and unity, making it clear that Morocco’s ultimate goal is to reclaim the trophy.
However, standing in their way is a revitalized Angola side that has been making waves under coach Pedro Gonçalves. The Palancas Negras, CHAN 2011 finalists, are appearing for the fifth time in the tournament and bring with them a blend of youthful flair and experienced grit. Their tactical growth has been evident, boosted by a successful COSAFA Cup run and a strong AFCON 2024 performance.
Although their preparations suffered a blow with the departure of five key players to foreign clubs rendering them ineligible for CHAN the Angolan side sees this as a positive sign of growing international interest in their talent pool. Gonçalves remains confident that the desire and tactical maturity of the remaining squad can carry them through.
This match marks the first CHAN meeting between Morocco and Angola. While history may favour the Atlas Lions, Angola’s resilience and tactical discipline promise a tightly contested duel. With DR Congo, Kenya, and Zambia also in Group A, the outcome of this match could prove crucial in the race for knockout qualification.
