Morocco head coach Walid Regragui insists they are approaching the round-of-16 clash against Tanzania at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday like a final in a bid to win their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 50 years.
Kick-off is at 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM:
The Atlas Lions came into the tournament on home soil in formidable form after winning a record 18 consecutive matches and extending it to 19 with 2-0 victory over Comoros in their Group A opener on December 21.
However, their impressive streak came to an end five days later when Mali held Regragui's side to a 1-1 draw, although the host nation bounced back by beating Zambia 3-0 to take their unbeaten run to 23 games.
Morocco last tasted defeat almost two years ago after bowing out of AFCON 2023 at the same stage following a 2-0 loss to South Africa.
The Taifa Stars made history when they reached the knockout stages for the first time in four attempts after finishing as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams despite not winning any of their opening three matches.
Miguel Angel Gamondi's side began their AFCON campaign with a 2-1 reverse to Nigeria on December 23 before playing out to successive 1-1 draws against Uganda and Tunisia.
Tanzania faced the Atlas Lions as recently as last year when they were drawn together in the same qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, with the North Africans running out 2-0 victors on 25 March 2025.
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WHAT WAS SAID:
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui
"We are the home team so we must always play our games as a final. We have a very supportive crowd who are rallying behind us.
"That is why all the players are giving it their utmost best in every match. We look forward to the knockout stages and will continue working hard."
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Morocco - Brahim Diaz has spearheaded his team's title challenge, scoring in each of their first three games at the African showpiece - the first time he's achieved the feat on the international stage. The 26-year-old winger was the catalyst for their win against the Copper Bullets, scoring a deserved goal on 27 minutes after Ayoub El Kaabi had broken the deadlock 18 minutes earlier.
Tanzania - Simon Msuva is just one goal away from becoming his country's all-time leading scorer after giving the Taifa Stars the lead from the penalty spot against the Cranes. The 32-year-old striker, who featured in all three group games, is tied with Mrisho Ngassa on 25 goals and could enter the history books against the Atlas Lions.
Head-to-Head: (Last Five Matches)
Matches - 5 Pirates wins - 4 Chippa wins - 1 Draws - 0