The race to witness the greatest tournament in the history of soccer resumes as DR Congo host the North African side of Morocco at the Des Martyrs Stadium on Thursday. The home team have been looking to book their place in the tournament since 1974, however, the visiting team are a regular participant and will hope to grace the event next year. Can the home team qualify this time?
DR Congo
Last five matches: WLWWL
Hector Cuper's team qualified for this phase after topping Group J with eleven points ahead of Benin and Tanzania. They won three games in that process, drew two and lost just once to secure the ticket for the playoffs.
They are blessed with experienced star players like Bakambu, Yannick Bolasie , Mbokani and Westham's left back Masuaku, these players can cause any team problems and the visiting team should be wary.
They have managed to win three matches out of five they have played, that's nine points from a possible fifteen.
They are presently ranked 66th according to FIFA.
Key player: Bakambu
Morocco
Last five matches:WWDWL
The Atlas Lions head into this game after a disappointing quarter finals exit from both AFCON and FIFA ARAB CUP in the hands of their fellow Northern African team Algeria and Egypt respectively. They face one of the toughest tests against DR Congo on Thursday before a return leg later this week.
Their last match against Egypt ended in a 2-1 defeat despite going ahead in that encounter, Mohammed Salah equalized in the 50th minute before providing Trezeguet with the assist to see off Morocco after extra time.
Lots of concern for Halilhodzic as he will be missing lots of key players like Hakim Ziyech , Noussair Mazraoui and their main players Boufal and Chakla.
Morocco are currently 24th on FIFA ranking and have lost just once, won three and drew one in the last five matches. They are the 2nd best team in Africa and still have enough players to get results against DR Congo.
Key player: Hakimi
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