Craig Kemp
Morocco certainly have a point to prove after failing to qualify for the last African Nations Cup in 2010 and with arguably the best attacking unit of all of the teams taking part in 2012, they must have a serious chance of victory.
Although, it is the Ivory Coast and Ghana that understandably head the African Nations Cup betting, Morocco have the squad to challenge and Ladbrokes are offering the top price of any bookmaker at 10/1 that they triumph for a second time.
It is in the final third where they are likely to be the most dangerous, with Marouane Chamakh expected to have a big impact in a lone striker role, despite seeing his first-team opportunities at Arsenal this season being in short supply.
However, it is the trio supplying the ammunition to Chamakh that may be of most value to Morocco and aid their progression through the tournament.
Mbark Boussoufa of Russian moneybags Anzhi is sure to make an impact, but the tricks and dribbling abilities of Adel Taarabt and potential player of the tournament Oussama Assaidi could prove their major advantage.
In fact, it was the introduction of Heerenveen midfield Assaidi that transformed their qualification campaign and helped them finish top of Group D.
Furthermore, they have one of the best defenders in Africa in their squad as Mehdi Benatia has helped Udinese concede the fewest goals in Serie A across the first half of the campaign.
Meanwhile, they do not have to beat the toughest of opposition in Group C to reach the quarter finals including competition debutants Niger, Gabon and Tunisia.
And while most other nations relied on one chief scorer during qualifying for their goals, Morocco did a fine job of sharing theirs around, which could be vital as the tournament reaches its latter stages.
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