Morocco need only avoid defeat in their final Group F match against already-eliminated Canada at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on Thursday 1 December to guarantee progression into the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup.
The Atlas Lions secured a historic 2-0 win over Belgium on Sunday – thanks to goals from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhal – though coach Walid Regragui has urged his team not to get ahead of themselves. Said Regragui:
The competition is not over, we have to recover quickly for the game against Canada. Hopefully, we can get a good result for the qualification.
The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are out of the last 16 contention following back-to-back losses to Belgium and Croatia, but they will still be hoping to exit Qatar 2022 on a high note.
Key players
Alphonso Davies – Davies scored Canada’s first goal in World Cup history this past weekend, though it arrived in a 4-1 loss at the hands of Croatia. He will hope to enjoy more attacking success in this final Group F clash.
Hakim Ziyech – The Chelsea winger provided the assist for Morocco’s second goal against Belgium and will want to make even more of an impact against Canada. Ziyech’s movement and superb left foot could be key to the Atlas Lions hopes.
Head-to-head stats
In head-to-head stats, Canada and Morocco have met in three previous international matches. The Atlas Lions boast an unbeaten record, with two wins and one draw. The teams’ most recent meeting was an October 2016 friendly which was won 4-0 by the North Africans.
The Maple Leafs will be coming up against African opposition at the World Cup for the first time, while this clash will also mark Morocco’s first game against a CONCACAF (North & Central American and the Caribbean) team at the tournament.
Battles to watch
John Herdman v Walid Regragui – Herdman is a hero simply for leading Canada to World Cup qualification, but he will have the ambition of outsmarting Regragui in this battle of tactical wits.
Jonathan David v Romain Saiss – David has been a lively forward presence for Canada in this tournament, but he will have a tough time getting the better of Morocco’s outstanding center-back Romain Saiss.
Stephen Eustaquio v Sofyan Amrabat – A classic midfield battle in which both Eustaquio and Amrabat will hope to use their energy, physicality, and aggression to take control of the ‘engine room’.
FIFA World Cup broadcast details
Thursday 1 December
17:00: Group F, Canada v Morocco – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport La Liga, and SuperSport Maximo 3