Morocco sign off qualifying campaign with home win against Liberia

Morocco ended their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d'Ivoire 2023, qualifying campaign with a home victory after brushing aside Liberia 3-0 on Tuesday.

Despite having already sealed qualification, the Atlas Lions were determined to finish top of Group K in style in the match that was postponed following the recent earthquake in Morocco.

They did just that in Agadir as second-half goals from Amine Harit, Ayoub El Kaabi and Amine Adli secured a comfortable win.

It marked Morocco's first home triumph over African opposition since Regragui took charge last August.

PSG full-back Achraf Hakimi, increasingly influential for his country, created the opener on the stroke of half-time with a cross converted by Harit.

Morocco turned on the style in the second period as El Kaabi won and converted a 59th minute penalty.

And late substitute Adli opened his international account with four minutes left to round off an ultimately emphatic victory.

After reaching the World Cup semi-finals, the Atlas Lions have built momentum ahead of seeking AFCON glory when they enter as one of the favourites next year.

The draw has handed Morocco a kind group alongside DR Congo, Zambia and Tanzania as they target a second AFCON title.

With a settled squad blending youth and experience, hopes are high that Morocco can shine when the continent's showpiece event kicks off on 13 January 2024.