CHAN 2020: Morocco targets Rwanda scalp

January 22, 2021
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CHAN 2020 -Group C
Morocco vs Rwanda
Stade de la Reunification, Douala
Friday, 22-01-2020 @7pm

Morocco were tagged favourites to progress through group C of the 2020 CHAN tournament after the draws were made early last year.

It comes as no surprise that after match-day one, they comfortably sit top of the patch with three points.

The points came off a 1-0 victory over Togo thanks to a Yahya Jabrane penalty on 29 minutes.

Going into Friday’s encounter against Rwanda, the Atlas Lions will be optimistic about sealing progression to the knockout stages with a game to spare.

In what is their fourth ever appearance at the finals, Morocco have set their sight on trying to defend the title they won in 2018 at the home tournament.

With no nation defending it since its inception in 2009, it will be easier said than done.

For Rwanda, they head into the game desperate for a result after failing to win their opening game.

Despite dominating and creating the better chances against neighbours-Uganda, the Amavubi Stars failed to find a breakthrough and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

A good result against the Atlas Lions will surely boost Rwanda’s chances of progressing through the group as they face a relatively softer clash against bottom side-Togo in the final game.

Speaking ahead of the games, Rwanda head coach Vincent Mashimi dubbed the contest a must-win for his side.

“We tried our best (against Uganda) but it wasn’t enough. Said Mashimi ahead of Friday’s game.

“Now we have to focus on the next game against Morocco which we have to win.

“I have asked the players to show the same spirit and be ruthless if we are to have a chance of winning.”

Rwanda are currently featuring in their fourth finals with their best performance coming in their home edition in 2016 where they reached the quarter finals.

This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides with Morocco winning twice and losing the other.

Friday’s match is the second time the two sides meet at a CHAN tournament.

The first was in 2016 when Morocco thrashed Rwanda 4-1 in the final group game but the result did not change anything as the Amavubi Stars finished top of the log with the Atlas Lions settling for 3rd.