Morocco out to set the record straight

Morocco rank among the great underachievers of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, despite being former champions. After qualifying for the last four editions of the biennial competition, the Atlas Lions made three first-round exits and in Egypt two years ago they not only failed to win a match but also failed to score.

It remains a mystery why a nation blessed with excellent infrastructure, many Europe-based footballers, the cash to woo good foreign coaches, passionate support and successful local clubs consistently under-achieves. Even their one conquest, 32 years ago in Ethiopia, was indebted to a late Baba equaliser against Guinea, which gave Morocco the draw they required to top the final standings.

This was the sole occasion when the African football showcase was decided by a mini-league and Morocco finished with five points from two wins and a draw, one more than Guinea. However, their defence of the trophy was a disappointment with a draw against Tunisia and a narrow win over Congo preceding a record 3-0 loss to Uganda and first-round elimination.

Only in 2004, when Morocco surprisingly made the final before falling to hosts Tunisia, have the Atlas Lions displayed the form expected on a regular basis. Nevertheless, their lack of success has not dampened spirits with current stars Youssef Hadji and Marouane Chamakh saying Morocco can go all the way in Ghana despite a tough first-round draw.

Ghana have home advantage and Guinea are highly rated and more used to the west Africa conditions, while even minnows Namibia proved tough opponents until a late goal sealed a 2-0 friendly win for Morocco last year. Midfielder Hadji bases his optimism on friendly form, but while a three-goal reverse of fellow qualifiers Senegal was certainly impressive, wise football followers always caution against placing too much store on warm-up results.

Chamakh believes that having many survivors of 2004 will boost a team built around defender Abdeslem Ouaddou, Hadji and striker Chamakh, all of whom play in France.

Morocco were the first qualifiers for Ghana, brushing aside Zimbabwe and Malawi, but this achievement was not enough to save coach Mohamed Fakhir and Henri Michel took over. It remains to be seen if the vastly experienced Frenchman can ensure Morocco live up to their potential.