Apart from the runner-up place realized in Tunisia 2004, it is fair to say that the Atlas Lions have been underachieving in the Nations Cup throughout the last decade. A nation deemed as one of the continent's football powerhouses, has adequate resources to deliver in Africa's top competition, considering their usual talent-packed squad crammed with European based players. Morocco's qualifying campaign for this year's Nations Cup was more like a walk in the park, as they faced no problems dominating a three-team group including minnows Malawi and Zimbabwe. It was Mohamed Fakhir who led the team in the qualifiers, despite a dismal 2006 campaign in Egypt, when they got dumped out of the first round without even scoring a single goal. However, the Royal Moroccan Federation's decision to replace the local coach with veteran Frenchman Henri Michel means that expectations are high this year.
Morocco had a disappointing campaign in 2006 Michel's men gave in an impressive performance against France in a CAN 2008 warm-up game, earning applaud from their high-profile opposition and showing signs of a strong candidate for Africa's top award. "They play a world class football," said France coach Raymond Domenech. "Their players are talented, clever and strong. "The way Morocco played against us is quite impressive and proves how good African football is nowadays." Marouane Chamakh's highlights Manager: Henri Michel Star Player: Marouane Chamakh
