Morocco have for many years been cast as the bridesmaid and never the bride, missing out on four previous bids to host the World Cup. The country has been actively attempting to build a powerbase within the African game, and their efforts are paying dividends. For example, Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) president Faouzi Lekjaa was recently voted in as a newly-created third vice-president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). "Morocco will not hesitate for a second to respond favourably to any invitation to host this Nations Cup," Lekjaa said at the recent CAF symposium held in Rabat. The charm offensive is in full swing, with a World Cup gig the ultimate aim.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 15, 2017 16:07 UTC