Exclusive: Morocco AFCON favourites, South Africa will push – Notsi

Morocco have the experience, pedigree and home-ground advantage to claim the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), an African veteran coach has predicted.

Former Lesotho coach Leslie Notsi made the prediction based on his experience from playing against Morocco and some of the top opponents competing at the tournament.

Apart from the AFCON hosts, the veteran mentor also cited South Africa, Angola and Gabon as his other potential candidates for the title.

Why Notsi rates Morocco’s AFCON chances highly

“Morocco still stand a big chance because they have quality,” he said.

Notsi was referring to an array of talent in the hosts’ camp including striker Brahim Diaz, goalkeeper Yassine Boumou, defender Noussair Mazraoui Sofyan Amrabat and midfielder Youssef En-Nrlesyri.

The seasoned mentor also rated the chances of South Africa, Angola and Gabon, opponents he faced in World Cup, African Nations Championship and AFCON qualifiers in the recent past.

“South Africa will always be there pushing. Angola always have the quality in the team. Gabon, on their day, they can be very good. In Africa, there are no longer small teams.”

Morocco will get the 24-member competition in motion on Sunday when they face Comoros Islands in a Group A match. The hosts’ pool also comprises Mali and Zambia.

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