Tip Egypt - Morocco

A North African clash awaits in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations between two of the continent's powerhouses in Egypt and Morocco. The Egyptians come into this match as the underdogs after progressing through a penalty shootout against one of the tournament favorites in Ivory Coast in the previous round. The tournament’s most successful team with seven titles, the Pharaohs will be looking to advance to the semi-finals for the first time since 2010 where they were crowned champions. Morocco will be looking to continue their excellent tournament so far and make the semi-finals for the first time since 2004 where they finished as runners-up. The Atlas Lions have only won the AFCON title once in their history way back in 1976 but have an excellent chance to lift the trophy this year. Their last match was a thrilling 2-1 come from behind victory against Malawi in the round of 16 in a match they dominated. 

Morocco still feel like one of the competition’s overlooked teams. Still not considered in the same tier as favorites Senegal and Cameroon, Morocco is unbeaten in 90 minutes in their last 32 matches - a record dating back three years. Their recent form reads as 13 victories, two draws and zero defeats in their last 15 regulation time matches in which they have outscored opponents 39-6. Their only recorded defeat during this time was against Algeria, a match that finished 2-2 but one that Morocco would ultimately lose on penalties. They are an exciting, attacking team which will be in stark contrast to their opponents today who have relied on their defensive solidity to see them through. Egypt have now played six straight matches with either a 1-0 scoreline either way or a 0-0 score after regulation time. The Egyptians perhaps would be expected to possess a bit more of an attacking threat and there is a sense amongst supporters that the team has yet to get into top gear. With the best player in the tournament in Mo Salah who can single handedly win matches, they are always a danger to score and must be respected by the Moroccans.