Morocco, Libya Set For North African Derby

Morocco and Libya will meet for a North African derby in the first semifinal of the 2018 African Nations Championship on Wednesday evening. The match is set for the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, kick-off at 6.30pm CAT.

Hosts Morocco have enjoyed a great run to the final four of the continental tournament, topping Group A before they ousted surprise packages Namibia 2-0 in the quarterfinals this past weekend, thanks to goals from Ayoub El Kaabi (his sixth in the Chan) and Salaheddine Saidi.

“Before the match, we trained for all possible scenarios. We analysed the Namibian team very well. We identified their dangerous players and made sure that when we play, we find ways to stop them and we did,” coach Jamal Sellami said.

“We encountered some difficulties. Namibia is a very well organised team. We could see the organisation was done in a professional manner.But today we came out on top. They played a good game and we scored at the right moments.”

Libya have had a mixed run to the semis, with their group stage campaign marred by a defeat to Nigeria, while their quarterfinal victory over Congo on Sunday night came via penalties.

The teams were locked 1-1 after extra time thanks to goals from Libya’s Saleh Al Taher and Congo’s Junior Makiesse, before the Mediterranean Knights won the post-match shootout 5-4.

Coach Omar Al-Marimi has cajoled his side to better performances throughout the tournament and will be hopeful that the prospect of a regional derby against the Atlas Lions brings the best out of his players.

Morocco and Libya have met in 11 official matches according to Fifa’s statistics database. The Atlas Lions have claimed five wins compared to two for the Knights. Morocco won 4-0 when the teams last met, a friendly match played in Rades in October 2015.