El-Balad previews the international friendly match between Morocco and Mozambique, highlighting predictions, team news, and potential lineups for the encounter. This match will take place at the Grand Stade de Tanger as part of Morocco’s preparation for the upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Morocco’s Recent Achievements
Morocco has experienced a significant rise in football, recently finishing fourth in the 2022 World Cup. They also claimed victory in the African Nations Championship in August and celebrated a U-20 World Cup title in October. The Atlas Lions aim to win the AFCON title, which they last secured in 1976.
- Historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup
- African Nations Championship winners in August
- U-20 World Cup champions in October
Coach Walid Regragui’s squad boasts impressive momentum, having won eight of their last nine matches. Their only exception was a penalty shootout win against Senegal in the CHAN final. Additionally, they have qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a stellar performance in their qualifying matches.
Mozambique’s Challenge
Mozambique, ranked 89th in the FIFA standings, faces a challenging task against Morocco. The Mambas qualified for AFCON by finishing second in their group with 11 points. Although they did not qualify for the World Cup, they demonstrated resilience, earning 18 points in total during the qualifiers.
- Qualified for AFCON with 11 points from Group I
- Last match ended in a 1-0 victory over Somalia
- Recent form includes two wins in three matches
However, Mozambique has struggled lately, winning only four of their last ten matches in 2025. This match will be critical for them to gauge their capabilities before the AFCON tournament starts.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Morocco will miss captain Achraf Hakimi due to an ankle injury, with an expected recovery time of six to eight weeks. Noussair Mazraoui from Manchester United is projected to start at right-back. Key players like Yassine Bounou, Romain Saiss, and Jawad El Yamiq will likely hold crucial defensive positions. New call-up Anass Salah-Eddine could debut.
Morocco’s Likely Starting XI
- Bounou
- Mazraoui
- Saiss
- El Yamiq
- Belammari
- Amrabat
- Ounahi
- El Khannouss
- Diaz
- En-Nesyri
- Ezzalzouli
Mozambique will rely on veteran midfielder Elias Gaspar Pelembe, who aims to extend his record of 101 caps. Reinildo Mandava is likely to play centrally alongside Edson Andre Sitoe, while Geny Catamo is expected to lead the attack from the flank.
Mozambique’s Likely Starting XI
- Ernan
- B Langa
- Mexer
- R Mandava
- Nanani
- Nene
- Amade
- Gildo
- P Santos
- Catamo
- Ratifo
Match Prediction
Considering Morocco’s recent form, pedigree, and home advantage, they enter the match as heavy favorites. A convincing victory for Morocco, potentially ending with a scoreline of 2-0, is anticipated. Another clean sheet for the Atlas Lions seems likely in this clash.
