Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) defending champions Morocco start their title defense campaign on Monday (18 January 2021) when they face debutants Togo at Stade de la Reunification in Douala, as Total CHAN, Cameroon 2020 Group C kicks off.

The Atlas Lions who won the title at home soil three years ago came to Cameroon boasted with the fact that the 2018 heroes are still there. Brilliant Walid El Karti, last edition top scorer and most valuable player Ayoub El Kaabi are among this year’s CHAN most awaited attractions.

The Moroccans start favorites on paper. “We know what we have to do, and I am optimistic. We are focused and united, and the players are ready,” said Morocco’s coach Houcine Ammouta.

“We are here to defend our title. I was not the coach then, but I will try to win it personally, for my country and for Moroccan football which has made enormous progress on the international scene in recent years,” he added.

They however should be wary of an opponent who has nothing to lose and has proven so during the qualifiers. Togo eliminated 2018 runner ups Nigeria to reach their first ever Total CHAN. They now have to start their campaign against the other 2018 finalists, Champions Morocco.

Togo coach Jean Paul Abolo said “We have a competitive team. We are facing a formidable Morocco side which has weapons for its ambitions. We have the backbone of the team that eliminated Nigeria in the qualifiers. Our players are hungry and want to defend the colors of the country. I am very confident.”