- Morocco’s star player Hakim Ziyech was absent from training, fueling speculations about his participation in the Round of 16 match due to an ankle injury
- Ziyech sustained the injury in the match against Zambia, raising concerns about Morocco’s readiness for the upcoming clash against South Africa
Morocco’s star player, Hakim Ziyech, was noticeably absent from Friday’s training session leading to the much-anticipated clash with South Africa. This absence intensifies speculations that Ziyech may not participate in Morocco’s first match in Round 16 due to an ankle injury.
The talented right winger suffered the injury during Morocco’s match against Zambia, where the Atlas Lions secured a 1-0 victory, earning them a spot in the Round of 16 as leaders of Group F. Ziyech played a pivotal role in this triumph, scoring the lone goal in the 38th minute with a close-range shot from a rebound.
However, his joy was short-lived as he was forced off the pitch at half-time due to the ankle injury sustained shortly after scoring the crucial goal. Concerns now arise regarding the potential disadvantage the Atlas Lions might face if Ziyech is benched for the upcoming clash against Bafana Bafana.
The press-covered training session saw the participation of team captain Romain Saiss, who missed the Zambia match due to an injury sustained while playing for Saudi club Al-Shabab. Additionally, Bayern Munich wingback Noussair Mazraoui took part in the session, having not played any matches with the national team in this year’s tournament. The absence of Ziyech raises questions about Morocco’s strategy and readiness for the challenging encounter against South Africa.
Super Eagles defeat Cameroon, to play Angola in quarter-final
Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash on Saturday.
Ademola Lookman scored twice in each half to hand Nigeria a famous win over the Indomitable Lions.
Victor Osimhen broke free and laid off a pass to Lookman, who saw his weak finish trickle pass the line.
With time running out, Lookman touched home Calvin Bassey’s cross.
Jose Peseiro’s men will now face Angola in the tournament’s quarter-finals.
Angola thrashed Namibia 2-0 in their last-16 clash earlier in the day.