Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
AHEAD of the Africa Cup of Nations final between hosts Morocco and Senegal, four former national team coaches have predicted who they think will lift the title.
Norman Mapeza and Joe Antipas have tipped hosts Morocco, while Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu believes Senegal will take it.
“Morocco are hosts and I believe they will lift it. They are compact. My take is Morocco will lift it, but it won’t come easy,” said Mapeza.
Mpofu, a former junior national team head coach, believes Senegal will carry the trophy to Dakar.
“I’m putting my money on Senegal, though Morocco have an edge. They are playing at home and have home advantage, and they have a very good coach, but Senegal will upset in today’s game. They were finalists in the last edition and lost, so I feel this time around they are taking it home,” said Mpofu, now in charge of Simba Bhora.
Former Chicken Inn gaffer Joe Antipas believes the hosts will lift the title.
“It’s a final between two quality teams that are both very strong in depth. I’m tipping Morocco since they are playing at home before a packed full house. They are a well-oiled unit, so I back them to win it, though Senegal are a difficult team to break down,” said Antipas.
Another former national team coach, Nation Dube, also believes the Atlas Lions will lift the title.
“Morocco, bra. They will play like possessed spirits due to the home ground, the 12th man,” said the former Hwange midfield general and coach
Bongani Ndlovu
Colletta Dube