Morocco targets first win against Angola

MOROCCAN midfielder Nordin Amrabat has been getting help from Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay as he draws on assistance from his old friend to help the Atlas Lions at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Dutch-born midfield ace has been seeking advice from Afellay, the Netherlands international midfielder who, like Amrabat, is of Moroccan origin but born in Holland.

Afellay was part of the Dutch squad that finished second at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by South Africa.

Amrabat has received a great deal of help from his ex-PSV Eindhoven teammate Afellay, currently on loan at German Bundesliga side Schalke 04 from FC Barcelona.

“We are staying in the same hotel as the Dutch team did in 2010 and we also play our opening game in Johannesburg, just like them,” Amrabat told MTNFootball.com exclusively.

“The information he has passed on to me on the conditions, the stadiums and the food has been very helpful.

“I did not know what to expect in South Africa; Ibrahim gave me crucial information.”

Amrabat, who was also part of the Morocco team that crashed out at the group stages of the 2012 AFCON tournament, believes that things will be different this time out for the Atlas Lions.

“We are ready to play, we have our tactics in place and could not be more prepared.

“It is vital that we win our first game because it will put our following opponents under pressure.

“If we don’t win we will have to take unnecessary risks in our next games.

“Winning your first game is good for your morale, so we must begin with a win against Angola.”