AFCON 2017: The North African battle — featuring Egypt, Morocco

In North African football, a high intensity is maintained from start to bottom.

The AFCON 2017 quarterfinal clash between Egypt and Morocco promises to be hotly contested.

Egypt topped Group D by defeating Ghana in their final game, but they are yet to prove their mettle as serious title contenders.

Mohamed Salah provided the assists for Egypt’s two goals, hence, more is expected of him. The fact that they are yet to concede a goal shows they have a strong back line but it will surely be tested in the quarter-finals against Morocco.

Herve Renard, Morocco’s manager, has changed the style of his team and in the process, inspired them. They lost to DR Congo in a close opening game but they won their next two games.

Renard’s past African Nation’s cup successes with Zambia and Ivory Coast might rub off on the team but meeting Egypt will test their resolve and fighting spirit.

Salah is the key for Egypt, as well as Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny, who’ll be marshaling the midfield. Ali Gabr and Ahmed Hegazy have formed an excellent central defensive partnership while veteran goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, the oldest ever AFCON player, remains ever-reliable.

Although the Morrocan team has a decent synergy and does not rely on big stars, Mbark Boussoufa and Rachid Alioui have been exemplary so far in the tournament.

Morocco won the tournament back in 1976 and have not won it since then. They finished as runners-up in 2004 and have failed to progress past the group stages ever since.

Now that they have crossed the hurdle, they can begin to dream of more.

For Egypt, seven titles speak volumes but this is a very open competition; anyone can win.

The Egyptian team is tactically savvy and are at their best when the stakes are high — but ninety minutes will decide the superior team of this contest.