African Nations Cup: Atlas Lions of Morocco hungry to surprise Tunisian hosts
The first final to be disputed by two North African teams is not the one many would have predicted. The hosts Tunisia have surfed on a wave of popular support with a minimum of style and a maximum of efficiency, whereas a young Morocco side who were not expected to reach even the quarter-finals have combined organisation and flair in telling quantity.
The fervour of the 60,000 Tunisians packing the Olympic Stadium this afternoon will swell the hosts' morale, as will the knowledge that they have overcome the more fancied Senegal and Nigeria in the knockout stages. Nevertheless Tunisia are keenly aware of how good the Moroccans are.
Morocco's progression to the final has surprised even their players. "No one expected us to do much," said their striker Youssef Hadji. "But we get on so well as a group, we are like a family. When we beat Nigeria in our opening game our confidence grew and we kept getting better. Now we are within 90 minutes of winning the Nations Cup. That would be magnificent."
Morocco have one previous trophy but have yet to play in a final: in 1976, when the Atlas Lions were champions, the tournament was decided in a second group phase.
If Morocco are to win a sec ond continental title, their impressive defence, which has conceded only twice so far, will need to be at its best to ward off the lively Tunisia attacking pair of Silva Dos Santos and Zied Jaziri.
The Paris St-Germain centre-half Talal El Karkouri faces a late fitness test, with Morocco's formation depending on him. If he plays, the Atlas Lions will opt for 3-5-2; if not, a four-man back line.
El Karkouri says he does not fear the Tunisian strikers. "A man should never be scared of another man but you must respect him," he explained. "It's like in boxing; if you underestimate your opponent you will get a beating. But if you say my team is scared of Tunisia, you're wrong."
Up front, the vibrant and creative triumvirate of Hadji, Jaouad Zairi and Marouane Chamakh has provided Morocco with the tournament's best attack, with 13 goals, including four in the semi-final against Mali.
El Karkouri, who spent a frustrating loan spell at Sunderland last season, believes both sides will create chances. "The first 15 minutes will be defensive, as we feel each other out," he said. "But after that we will see lots of chances and lots of goals. And I am happy that, whoever wins, it will be a North African side with their hands on the cup."
In yesterday's third-place game, Jay Jay Okocha led Nigeria to a 2-1 win over Mali and the small consolation of a bronze medal.
The Bolton midfielder opened the scoring with a deflected first-half free-kick and then created his country's second goal with a precise centre which Osaze Odemwingie headed low past Mahamadou Sidibé.
Tottenham's striker Frédéric Kanouté scarcely threatened and it was not until he was replaced that Mali came back into the match. Janvier Abouta's reply after 69 minutes was stunning, a left-foot volley which left Vincent Enyeama pawing the air. But it was not enough to save Mali.