Saturday, November 12, 2011

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13.11. (Sun) 19:00 Morocco - Cameroon

Morocco Team
منتخب المغرب لكرة القدم (Morocco)

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MOROCCO

Mohamadina
Soulaimani, Lemrani, Alioui, GharibHermach, Al Ahmadi
Amrabat, Dirar, Taarabt
El Arabi
CAMEROON

Kameni
Angbwa, Mandjeck, Nyom, Matip
 Eno, Song, Nguemo

Choupo-Moting, Eto'o, Zoua

Despite dominating possession for long stretches and creating a number of goal-scoring opportunities, the Moroccans had a rude awakening in their first encounter against Uganda. Mike Sserumagga's second-half strike put the Cranes on top and the north Africans were not able to level before time expired. Eric Gerets will be hopeful that his squad can bounce back against a tougher opponent in Cameroon on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Denis Lavagne had a much more pleasant time in his first outing as head coach of the Indomitable Lions. His players put forth a solid effort against Sudan and managed to put three goals past the east Africans. A clean sheet wasn't far off but the Cameroonians conceded a penalty that was dispatched by Mohamed Tahir.

Gerets laid the blame for his team's negative result on a lack of cohesiveness that was down to the fact that he was using an experimental squad that had never played together. Furthermore, last minute injuries to influential players such as Mbark Boussoufa and Oussama Assaidi didn't help matters. However, Lavagne arguably had more of an injury crisis on his hands and still emerged victorious.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The last time these two teams faced each other was in 2010 World Cup qualifying when Cameroon defeated Morocco 2-0 in Fes.
  • The first ever encounter between the Atlas and Indomitable Lions dates back to 1981 when the west Africans downed their north African rivals 2-0 in Kenitra.
  • Morocco have never beaten Cameroon in an official match. Cameroon have defeated the north Africans five times and the other four games finished in draws.
  • Ndy Assembe got a rare chance to replace Idriss Kameni in goal on Friday and put in a solid performance. He couldn't do anything to stop Tahir's penalty kick, faring well nonetheless.
  • If Morocco had managed to equalise against Uganda, the game would have gone to penalty kicks and the winner would have been awarded two points instead of three, as per LG Cup rules, while the loser would receive one point.

Prediction
Editor's Prediction

Morocco 1-1 Cameroon

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13.11. (Sun) 17:00 Uganda - Sudan

Sudan Football Association
Sudan Football Association

PROBABLE LINEUPS
SUDAN

Omer
Amir, Mohammed, Alaeldin, Musaab
Hitham, Saifeldin, Bakri, Bala
Mudathir, Tambal

UGANDA
Dhaira
Walusimbi, Kalungi, Isinde, Masaba
Wasswa, Kayizzi, Mawejje, Mudde
Umony, Sserumagga
The Uganda Cranes suffered a major setback when they failed to beat arch-rivals Kenya in the last round of qualifiers in order to book a ticket to the 2012 Afcon. They have shifted their focus to the Cecafa Tusker Cup Challenge, and promised their fans that they will deliver in every tournament they will feature in.

Sudan have been impressive so far. They are the only country from east Africa that will be present in the next edition of the Afcon. The team is made up of experienced players who have made consistency a key part of their game, leading to positive results.

The Cranes will be without striker David Obua, who was suspended from the team in October, while Sudan have made it clear they will use the tournament to improve on their skills and style of play ahead of the competitions they are set to play in.

DID YOU KNOW


  • Uganda is the highest placed in east Africa according to the Fifa rankings.
  • Sudan is the only country in East Africa to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations that will be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon next year.
  • The Sudanese team is made up of only local-based players that feature in their domestic league.
  • The last time the two sides met, Uganda beat Sudan 2-0.

Prediction
Uganda have well-travelled players compared to their opponents, but its still doubtful whether they can deliver against a well organised Sudanese side that has always proved to be tough. It will be a close game when the two sides clash.
Editor's Prediction
Sudan 1-0 Uganda