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Morocco v Mali preview (11.02.2004)
Before the start of the tournament, few would have predicted Morocco would make it to the last four.
But ever since the 1-0 win against Nigeria in their opening group encounter, the Atlas Lions have gone from strength to strength.
Coach Badou Zaki has mixed youth and experience into his squad and it appears to have worked well.
Veteran defender Nourredine Naybet, who will win his 103rd cap against Mali, will play in a team containing a wealth of young forwards - Marouane Chamakh, Youssef Hadji and Jaouad Zairi - all who have scored.
"It`s a very solid union between the players, a very strong mentality in the group and a lot of desire to win," said 34-year-old Naybet.
"These are the principles you need. In any team, you need experience mixed with youth.
"The results so far show that we are working well together," he added.
"Let`s hope the young generation can keep going."
Morocco have been dealt a major blow after it was announced central defender Talal El
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Karkouri will miss the rest of the African Cup of Nations after suffering a calf injury against Algeria.
Perugia`s Jamal Alioui is favourite to fill in El Karkouri`s place in the heart of the defence.
Mali coach Henri Stambouli believes recent good performances against Morocco will not matter when it comes to the crucial match on Wednesday.
"We have recovered well, we`re physically in shape and we have no injury worries," said the Frenchman.
"We have had good results against Morocco in friendlies. Now, in a cup match, things are different."
Stambouli will be hoping that his star striker, Frederic Kanoute, can continue his good run of form which has seen the Tottenham man plunder in four goals.
"When you have a goalscorer like that in a team, you always hope you can count on him to score," added the coach.
"Today, he`s the one who is finishing off our attacks, though there are others capable of scoring."
There is no Mali team news to report.
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