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Match - Sat 13 October, 22:00,
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Mozambique with upper hand over Morocco
The Black Mambas enjoy a two-goal cushion following their 2-0 home win over the Atlas Lions in the first leg which was played in Maputo in September.
The Southern Africans went into that clash as underdogs, but late goals from former Platinum Stars defender Almiro Lobo and Mamelodi Sundowns forward Elias Pelembe saw them pulling off a memorable upset.
The result also claimed another casualty in Belgian coach Eric Gerets, who was promptly sacked by the Moroccan Football Federation, who later named Rachid Taoussi as his replacement.
Gerets was already walking on a tightrope following the Atlas Lions poor showing at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations where they were eliminated in the first round, and this loss proved to be the last straw.
Taoussi has placed his faith on Moroccan-based players, dropping the likes of Marouane Chamakh, Mbark Boussoufa and Adel Taarabt.
However, Getafe’s Abdel Barrada got the nod, together with Liverpool’s Oussama Assaidi who has been getting game time at Anfield since regaining his fitness.
Mozambique, on the other hand, stuck to the squad which achieved success in the first round with only five of the players based outside the country, including one of the heroes from the first leg Pelembe.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, who left the first leg with a goal and an assists, says he is ready to complete the task away from home.
"Being able to play for my country really motivates me,” he told Abola. “This is my homeland at stake and I'm here to help.
“I know that Mozambicans rely heavily on me, and I thank them for their confidence. I am ready to take all my responsibilities.
"The situation is a bit tense but it's normal to feel this way before an important match.
“We must do our best to improve our quality of play and prepare thoroughly for this game. It is only in this way can we manage stress.”
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