'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEG/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQb/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMXCWO//xAAcEAACAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAwACEkEiMVH/2gAIAQEAAT8ADXFfE063WZU2sk+5T//EABYRAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABIv/aAAgBAgEBPwBUf//EABgRAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgPx/9oACAEDAQE/AHa5Yj//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Morocco will invite the Central African Republic to Honneur Stadium in the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday. The hosts had a winning start to their campaign while CAR had a win and a loss to their name.
The Atlas Lions began their campaign with a comfortable 4-1 home win over Gabon. Hakim Ziyech scored twice from the penalty spot in the first half while Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi added goals in the second half. They played Lesotho three days later and registered a 1-0 away win, thanks to Diaz's stoppage-time winner.
The visitors also got their campaign underway with a home win as goals from Louis Mafouta and Goduine Koyalipou helped them to a 3-1 win over Lesotho. They failed to build on that form and suffered a 2-0 away loss to Gabon three days later.
Morocco vs Central African Republic Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have squared off five times in all competitions. The Atlas Lions have an unbeaten record in these meetings, recording three wins.
- Four of the five meetings between them have taken place in the AFCON qualifiers.
- They last met in the AFCON 2021 qualifiers in 2020, with the hosts recording wins in the home and away games.
- Morocco are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions, recording five wins. They have scored 14 goals in these games while conceding two goals.
- Central African Republic have seen conclusive results in all six games in 2024, recording four wins.
- The Atlas Lions are on a five-game winning streak at home in the AFCON qualifiers, scoring 14 goals.
- The visitors have won just one of their last 15 away games in the AFCON qualifiers while suffering 11 losses.
Morocco vs Central African Republic Prediction
The Atlas Lions have kicked off the AFCON qualifiers on a winning note, scoring five goals in two games. They have won their last two home meetings against the visitors, scoring four goals apiece and are strong favorites.
Brahim Diaz and Hakim Ziyech have been left out of the squad due to injuries but they have enough depth in their attacking department to cover for their absence. Youssef En-Nesyri, Ayoub El Kaabi, and Azzedine Ounahi are likely to lead the lineups here.
Les Fauves have suffered two losses in 2024, with both coming in away games. They have conceded at least two goals in eight of their last nine away games in the AFCON qualifiers and will look to improve upon that record.
Considering the home advantage for the Atlas Lions and the visitors' poor away record in the AFCON qualifiers, the hosts are expected to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Morocco 2-1 Central African Republic
Morocco vs Central African Republic Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Morocco to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Ayoub El Kaabi to score or assist any time - Yes
