Egypt face Morocco in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals after securing their places  with impressive wins in their final group games.

Seven times champions Egypt held Ghana at bay in Port-Gentil as Mohamed Salah’s superb free-kick ensured they topped Group D with an undefeated record.

Morocco sailed in the same fashion slipping to a 1-0 defeat to DR Congo but the Atlas Lions rallied to secure second place in Group C with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Ivory Coast.

Morocco coach Hevard Renard is well aware of the task ahead and had this to say:

“It is already a privilege to be in the last eight but now we need to be much more ambitious than that,” Renard said.

“Sometimes the African Cup can be more difficult than this so when you are lucky enough to safely negotiate the group stage against very strong teams you need to seize the opportunity.

“It would be extraordinary if we could go a lot further.

“To be able to have a great party when we return to Morocco would be magnificent. And I know what I am talking about.”

In the hunt for goals, Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri will be the key man .He is only 19-years-old but already there are signs that he has a big future in the game.

He didn’t start the opener but has been crucial in Morocco’s qualification. He scored the goal that made the game safe against Togo from outside the box and set up Alioui’s perfect whipped finish against Ivory Coast. Egypt will have to be on their guard when he picks up the ball.

Pharaohs will be looking for their first victory aganist Morocco a win that their fans have waited over 30 years to come.

After impressively beating Ghana to first place in Group D, the pressure is on to deliver glory and storm to quarter finals after missing in the Afcon for a record ten years.

In an interview with a section of the members of forth estate,Egypt coach Hector Cooper expressed his sasitfacrion ahead of today’s clash.

“I am not as happy with the performance as I would like but I think given who we were up against I have to be satisfied.”

Before going on to emphasise the need for preparation to beat Morocco and the fact his side has big ambitions in this tournament.

“We will have a bit of a breather now, rest a bit, and then start thinking about Morocco. Our ambition is very high and we are going to fight to keep progressing and reach the final stages

The winners of this tie will face either Burkina Faso in Libreville on Wednesday.