With Bafana Bafana preparing to take on 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco on Saturday, here are five Atlas Lions dangermen South Africa need to be wary of.
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In December 2022, the north Africans made history when they became the first nation from the continent to make it as far as the final four of the World Cup, and having already qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Walid Regragui's side will be looking to secure their third victory of the group stages.
Up until fairly recently, the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winners had a decent record against the 11th-best nation in the world, according to the FIFA's rankings, but now Morocco have won back-to-back matches against South Africa. The star-studded squad will be looking to make it three consecutive wins, and these five men are the players likely to make it happen.
Achraf Hakimi
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back is arguably their most important player. The 24-year-old enjoyed a relatively successful season with his club and will be looking to continue his good form this campaign at the Calabash stadium. His ability to constantly go up and down the right flank has proved invaluable for the way the team attacks and defends. The pacey defender is also exceptional with set-pieces, and his quality in dead-ball situations allows Morocco to be dangerous from free-kicks and corners.
Hakim Ziyech
The Chelsea man has endured a tumultuous season with his club, who finished in 12th position in the Premier League, but in the midst of that, the winger was still able to have an unbelievable World Cup. His ability to cut in from the left to shoot or to provide pin-point crosses makes him a deadly attacker.
Yassine Bounou
The former Wydad Athletic Club man was immense for club and country this season. Bounou pulled off some stunning saves against the world's best attacks in Qatar, and was also able to play a decisive role in the UEFA Europa League final, when his Sevilla team were able to capture their seventh competition title after a penalty shootout in which he saved two spot-kicks.
Sofyan Amrabat
Regragui's side is based on a cohesive defence and anchoring it is Fiorentina man Sofyan Amrabat. The 26-year-old's ability to comfortably take the ball from his centre-backs and either begin attacks with a marauding run or find one of his midfield partners have earned him a lot of potential suitors among Europe's top sides, with the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool rumoured to be keen on his services. The defensive midfielder plays an integral role in the Atlas Lions' defensive solidity.
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Youssef En-Nesyri
Like Bounou, the forward was able to clinch his second Europa League title with Sevilla this past season, and while he was not as prolific in LaLiga as he has been in previous campaigns, he was still able to pose a threat for defences when playing for the Andalusian side. He also found the back of the net twice at the global showpiece in Qatar, the most important being the one that eliminated Portugal during their 1-0 victory at the quarter-final stage, which saw the 1976 African champions progress to the semi-finals for the first time. Given his height and jumping ability, the 26-year-old marksman is always a target for the likes of Ziyech and Hakimi to find in the box.
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