Prediction: Morocco vs Benin

Verdict: Morocco win to nil

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Bet365

Two nations who are looking to secure a quarter-final showdown next week, Morocco will face off against Benin in Cairo on Friday evening.

Morocco

Starting with Morocco, while the Atlas Lions could only pick up a point out in Russia last year and slumped to the bottom of Group B behind Iran, Hervé Renard’s side find their confidence at a high. While a run of three consecutive defeats prior to their African Cup of Nations campaign had many questioning the Frenchman’s position in charge, the Reds managed to secure their spot in the knockout stage and they once again impressed in their 1-0 win over South Africa Monday. With Mbark Boussoufa’s 90th-minute winner completing a trio of wins out in Egypt this summer, Morocco topped Group D with a three-point buffer over the Ivory Coast and the North African outfit have continued to shine defensively. Dominating against South Africa earlier in the week and recording yet another clean sheet, the Atlas Lions did not concede a single goal during the group stage and are just one of three teams to achieve that feat.

Team News

Morocco only made a few changes to their side despite already qualifying for the last 16 but Noussair Mazraoui is expected to come straight back in to the starting XI along with goalkeeper Bono.

Benin

As for Benin, while Les Écureuils may have failed to secure a spot out in Gabon two years ago, the Yellows were overjoyed to secure a route out of Group F as one of the four best third-placed teams. While the Squirrels may have not produced much in the final third against Cameroon on Tuesday, Michel Dussuyer’s side managed to pick up a 0-0 draw against the defending champions a result that saw the Benin players sink to their knees and kiss the ground in celebration. Picking up three consecutive draws, there is no doubt that the former Ivory Coast boss will be demanding his side show a more clinical edge if they’re to carry on what could be a famous summer. Recording just a single goal in almost 300 minutes of action, the Yellows also hold a very worrying record against their opponents on Friday evening. Suffering an empathic 6-1 hammering when the two sides met back in 2014, Benin have lost both of their previous two matches against Morocco, conceding 10 goals and scoring just one in return.

Team News

Benin boss Michel Dussuyer has confirmed that he has no new injury concerns or suspensions to worry about on Friday evening.

Key Factors to Consider

• Morocco won each of their three Group D matches by a score of 1-0.
• Benin have scored just one goal in their three Group F matches.
• The Atlas Lions have won both of their previous matches against Benin, scoring 10 and conceding one in return.
• Benin have failed to win any of their last seven matches on the road.

Conclusion

While Benin will be boosted by their impressive draw against defending champions Cameroon last time out, it is hard to look past a Morocco side that have proven to be a dark horse this summer. Winning all three of their Group D matchups and yet to concede a goal out in Egypt, we’re backing the Reds to come away with the victory and a spot in the quarter-finals on Friday evening.

Verdict: Morocco win to nil

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Bet365