Morocco returns to the Championship football tournament in hopes of ending the dry spell at the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite Morocco's wealth of talent and resources, they have only won the Africa Cup of Nations once. In the group stage, they will face former champions Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the small nation of Tanzania. Morocco impressed the world at the 2022 World Cup, beating the likes of Spain and Portugal. Head coach Walid Regragui will have a strong squad heading into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, including defender Ahraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Yassin Bounou.
Zambia won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and still have some professional players in the top flight, such as Parson Daka and Fassen Saqqara. They will be a threat in the group, and Clautus Chama's labor will also be a threat. The Democratic Republic of Congo will be hoping to regain past glory after missing out on the 2022 match. Head coach Sebastien Desabre has a strong squad at his disposal, including Cedric Bakambu and Gael Kakuta, as well as some unavoidable players such as Meshak Elia and Feston Mayerle. Tanzania have a poor record at the Africa Cup of Nations, but captains Mbwana Samatta and Samon Msouwa have a lot to offer in the crucial moments of the goal.
However, it is unlikely that they will get their first win against former champions Ivory Coast. In Group D, Algeria are expected to dominate under captain Riyad Mahrez. They will face strong opponents from Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Angola. Overall, Morocco are the favourites to win Group D, with the Democratic Republic of Congo having a good chance of finishing second. Zambia could have a chance to advance as the best loser, depending on the outcome of their match against Democratic Republic of Congo.