African Cup of Nations: Ghana 2008

“We will seek our second round ticket against Guinea” said Moroccan squad manager, Henri Michel, on the eve of Morocco’s game against Guinea, in the second day of the 26th African Cup of Nations (ACN).

“Guinea is a quality side with technical elements who play modern soccer, but we are going to seek our ticket to the quarter-finals in this game,” the French coach told the press following a training session of the Atlas lions, stressing that “it’s up to us to demonstrate our talents.”

Regretting the absence of his hitman Soufiane Alloudi, Henri Michel, reassured that “the other players have the potential to compensate for this handicap.”

Morocco, which destroyed Namibia 5-1 in their opener, will play the forthcoming game without its hitman Alloudi who was ruled out for this game and Monday’s final first round tie with hosts Ghana after suffering tendonitis in his right knee.

In the ACN opening game, the Sily National demonstrated high qualities before the hosts Ghana and hardly lost 2-1 in the last minutes. Thursday’s game is the last chance for the Guineans, as another stumble will jeopardize the chances of the third-best team in Africa on the official standings to progress in the African event.

Morocco tops Group A with a better goal average over Ghana, which will play Namibia in an apparently easy game for the hosts.

(source: MAP)