Morocco coach demands 'humility' against AFCON outsiders Tanzania

Morocco's coach Walid Regragui cautioned his players to stay grounded as the hosts prepare for Sundays Africa Cup of Nations knockout match against underdogs Tanzania where they enter as heavy favourites.

We must remain humble. For everyone involved in Morocco from the coaching team to the players this should be the tournament of humility Regragui stated to journalists on Saturday just before the clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat the capital city.

People keep saying that failing to clinch the AFCON would spell disaster and that not securing a straightforward victory counts as a flop too.

My responsibility is to ensure everyone stays level headed and to point out that Morocco has not lifted the AFCON trophy in 50 years.

Ranked 11th globally Morocco tops Africas FIFA standings and after reaching the 2022 World Cup semi finals they face intense expectations to capitalise on home soil and claim the Nations Cup for the first time since 1976.

It would represent a massive upset if they could not overcome Tanzania who sit at 112th in the world rankings.

Tanzania boasts two prominent African clubs in Simba and Young Africans both of whom have made it to the CAF Confederation Cup final in the past few years.

However their national side has advanced to the AFCON knockout rounds for the debut time in this tournament even though they have yet to record a win in the competition.

We must show respect to Tanzania as they consistently qualify and possess two major clubs while developing promising young talents Regragui added.

I have consistently said that no matches are straightforward. We will play at home with nearly 68000 supporters watching but this is a do or die game where surprises can occur.

Tanzania set to co host the 2027 Nations Cup alongside Kenya and Uganda from East Africa qualified for the last 16 as one of the top third placed teams from the groups.

They suffered a close defeat to Nigeria then tied with Uganda and Tunisia.

Facing the hosts is truly special remarked Miguel Angel Gamondi the Argentine manager of the Taifa Stars.

The squad requires no extra drive. They are eager to perform for the nation and have arrived aiming to secure a positive outcome.