The 33rd Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on Sunday with hosts the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon securing a 2-1 comeback win against Burkina Faso in Group A.
In the same group Cape Verde also recorded opening day win after pipping Ethiopia 1-0.
The tournament continues on Monday with African heavyweights the Atlas Lions of Morocco taking on the Black Stars of Ghana in the standout fixture for the day.
With their rich history in African football, it is hard to believe that Morocco can only boast of just one AFCON title which was in 1976 in Ethiopia.
Since their triumph more than 45 years ago, they have featured in 15 editions without success.
The last time they came close to winning the title was in 2004 but fell to hosts Tunisia 2-1 in the final.
As for Ghana, who are four-time winners of the continental showpiece, they will hope to be lucky this time after years of heartbreaks.
The Black Stars last tasted success back in 1982 when they beat hosts Libya on penalties but have lost in three finals (1992, 2010, 2015).
Will these giants of African football eventually end their long wait for continental success? the 2021 AFCON which will end in February will tell.
Meanwhile, Morocco will go into today’s clash on the back of four wins and one loss in their last five games.
The only defeat was against reigning AFCON holders Algeria in the FIFA Arab Cup, where they lost on penalty shootout in the final last month.
And for Ghana, they managed three wins, one draw and one loss in their last five.
Also, their last game was a 3-0 loss to Algeria in a friendly on January 5th.
