"It's crunch time at the Africa Cup of Nations, with the continent's biggest teams assembling in a historically heavyweight line-up. With Senegal closing on victory over Mali in the first quarter-final, the seven sides left will all be former champions, with 22 continental titles between them. That leaves Morocco, the hosts and highest-ranked team, under severe pressure to deliver a first title since 1976. The Atlas Lions cannot shake off their status as favourites, but the path to glory could scarcely be more perilous."
"Get through today's battle, and either in-form Nigeria or neighbours Algeria are up next. Not that Morocco can afford to get ahead of themselves. Cameroon may be the lowest-ranked side left, having failed to reach the 2026 World Cup, but they are unbeaten and have a breakout star in striker Christian Kofane. If Morocco repeat their nervous display against Tanzania in the last 16, they are likely to be punished."
Seven teams remain at the Africa Cup of Nations and all are former champions, combining for 22 continental titles. Senegal is closing on victory over Mali in the first quarter-final. Morocco, as hosts and the highest-ranked side, face intense pressure to secure a first title since 1976 and remain favourites despite a hazardous route. The next opponent will be either in-form Nigeria or neighbours Algeria. Cameroon, the lowest-ranked team left after missing the 2026 World Cup, are unbeaten and feature breakout striker Christian Kofane. Morocco must avoid repeating their nervous last-16 display against Tanzania or risk punishment.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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