Africa Cup of Nations preview: Morocco

Morocco almost failed to qualify for this year's Africa Cup of Nations due to a difficult playoff against Mozambique.

The 1976 winners looked to be in trouble when they lost the first leg of their eliminator 2-0, but a 4-0 triumph in the return tie was enough to see Rachid Taoussi's men book their place in the finals.

The Moroccans have enjoyed some success in the tournament down the years, but they will be all too aware of a recent record that has seen them fail to get past the first round in three of the last four competitions.

Group: A

Players to watch out for:

Mehdi Benatia

The athletic defender has been limited in his appearances for Udinese this season, but his experience at the back will prove valuable for Morocco.

Younes Belhanda

The Montpellier winger is a bag of tricks and his pace and skill should provide the Moroccans with plenty of attacking menace. With a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur reportedly on the cards, Belhanda could also be eager to impress.

Previous best: Winners 1976

Odds to win outright: 14/1

Sports Mole says: Quarter-finals