Africa: Atlas Lions to Prepare in Marbella

Confederation of African Football (Giza)

Morocco will round up preparations for their Orange CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2012 finals with a 10 day camp in the Spanish Marbella resort. The Atlas Lions will head to the famous resort on January 9th as they prepare for the continent’s flagship tournament that will be hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.During their camp the Moroccans will take on Swiss side Grasshoppers in a friendly, as their Belgian tactician Eric Gerets looks to test his squad’s strength before he decides on his final selection for the tournament. Gerets will take his players to Marbella before announcing who will be there on the plane to Gabon.

The Marbella Sports Centre where the Atlas Lions will have their camp is an famous one used by many club sides and national teams. Morocco had their camp prior to their 2004 CAF Africa Cup of Nations at the same place. They had a successful campaign then reaching the final match only to lose to the home side Tunisia 2-1 .

The Moroccans will leave Marbella on January 19th on a private charter heading to Gabon capital Libreville just two days before the tournament starts. The Morocco is seeking to win the title they only won once before, in 1976 in Ethiopia.

Morocco is in Group C alongside hosts Gabon, Tunisia and debutants Niger. The Atlas Lions will start their campaign with an all Arab Derby against Tunisia on January 23rd before tacking on Niger 4 days later. They will then take on hosts Niger on January 31st 2012.