Gabon look to stun Morocco in Casablanca

The Panthers of Gabon are desperate for a win as they visit Morocco for their 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier on Saturday at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. The Group C encounter presents a perfect opportunity for the Panthers to topple their hosts and move up to the second spot. Coach Jorge Costa is aware that facing their high-flying Atlas Lions is not going to be a walk in the park. However, anything is possible in the group as all sides are aiming for a spot in Russia next year. Costa's men occupy the No 3 spot in Group C with five points, two draws and one win.

Having failed to bag a win at home in the first match last year, the 2017 CAF African Cup of Nations hosts will be under pressure to secure a win as Morocco will count on homeground advantage.

Costa will pin his hopes on Alex Meye Me Ndong and Mario Lemina whose goals helped them to beat Ivory Coast last month.

Looking at the hosts, the Atlas Lions are also motivated as they finished the previous round with no defeat next to their name.

They handed the Eagles of Mali a 6-0 drubbing, before securing a 0-0 draw in the return leg.

However, coach Herve Renard will have to motivate his men and ensure they do not disappoint their home crowd come Saturday.

The Lions of Atlas are favourites to top the Elephants of Ivory Coast as group winners and book a spot in Russia next year.

Renard's men now sit at No 2 in the group with six points from one win and three draws.

The North Africans will hope to see Hakim Ziyech in fine form to unsettle the Gabonese defence to retain the full three points.

From SuperSport