Morocco’s national football team will play Gambia in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) friendly match, confirmed head coach Walid Regragui. The announcement was made on Thursday at the Mohammed VI complex in Maâmora, Salé, in tandem with the unveiling of the final starting roster for the big tournament.
The friendly match, scheduled for January 7 in Rabat, is crucial for the Atlas Lions since it provides a final opportunity to refine their athletic abilities before traveling to Côte d’Ivoire for the CAN competition, which begins on January 13 and runs until February 11.
The starting lineup, which includes stalwarts like Ziyech, Hakimi, Bounou, and many others, is prepared to take on the competition.
Meanwhile, Gambia–ranked a modest 126th by FIFA globally–is also preparing for CAN, having being assigned to Group C, alongside Senegal, Cameroon, and Guinea.
Morocco is expected to face the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania in Group F.
The friendly encounter against Gambia will be vital in tailoring the squad’s tactics and preparations for the forthcoming continental football event.