Afcon 2021: Morocco vs Ghana Preview

The Black Stars are set to start their quest for a fifth Afcon title against the Atlas Lions on Monday.

All eyes will be on Yaounde's Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo when Ghana and Morocco clash to open their campaign at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon on Monday.

The two sides are set for a Group B opening day thriller, each targeting a result capable of fueling the rest of their adventure at the 33rd Afcon tournament.

Ghana have won the continental showpiece on four previous occasions, but that their last title dates to 40 years ago highlights their desire to rule Africa once again.

For all their high ratings, particularly in recent times, Morocco, on the other hand, have only one title to show - their 1976 success in Ethiopia – explaining their popular tag as perennial underachievers.

Gabon and Morocco are the other two teams in Group B.

Ghana have 26 of expected 28 players in camp as influential Ajax playmaker Mohammed Kudus is still with his club, amid expectations that he would join the Black Stars at a later stage of the competition.

Dreams right-back Philemon Baffour is also yet to report to camp as he continues his pursuit of a club deal in Portugal.

Stade Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana could also completely sit out Monday’s game, or possibly start from the bench, having linked up with the Black Stars squad on Saturday after missing the team’s training camp in Qatar due to Covid-19 isolation.

The former Nordsjaelland man’s situation could likely open up space for Genk attacker Joseph Paintsil to start on the left wing for Ghana on Monday.

Refreshingly, the Black Stars have no Covid-19 worries in the team.