Morocco have been hit by the loss Soufiane Alloudi ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash with Guinea.
Morocco missing Alloudi, while Guinea must win
Morocco have been hit by the loss Soufiane Alloudi ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash with Guinea.
The star striker, who hit a hat-trick in Morocco's 5-1 win over Namibia on Monday, has been ruled out of Thursday's encounter after suffering tendinitis in his right knee following a heavy challenge which forced him off in the opening game.
Morocco have already improved on their 2006 Africa Cup of Nations showing, where they were eliminated from the competition without scoring a single goal, and coach Henri Michel will be keen to see his side take another step towards qualification.
However, Guinea will be out to avenge their 1976 final defeat to the Moroccans and will hope to improve on their opening game performance against Ghana.
Knock-out
Guinea coach Robert Nouzaret, who saw his side defeated by 2-1 by Ghana, has stated that his team will reach the knock-out stages of the competition.
However, Guinea must record three points against Morocco if they are to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Morocco are expected to replace Alloudi with Badr El Kaddouri or Youssef Mouktari in their only change from the victory over Namibia.
Meanwhile, Guinea are expected to name the same team which narrowly lost to Ghana and that should see Southampton midfielder Youssef Safri keep the captain's armband.
