Rabat: Morocco remains an obvious favorite to reach the semi-finals qualification of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), during the quarter finals fixture against Cameroon on Friday, but the mental aspect will be a determining factor, the Indomitable Lions’ coach David Pagou affirmed on Thursday.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, “Morocco has a top-quality team, with very strong individual skills and a solid collective. They haven’t lost on home turf for a very long time. It is all the more motivation for us,” Pagou stated at a press conference prior to Morocco-Cameroon’s quarter finals clash, scheduled for Friday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat (8 p.m.)

“It will not be an easy task. Past performances do not guarantee future ones in football,” he pointed out, deeming that “in a face-off where both teams are of similar levels, it is often the mental strength that makes the difference.”

The Cameroonian coach admitted that his side still has room for improvement: “We are not always fully satisfied with our performances. We continue to seek the best balance, as several aspects need to be worked on both in defense and offence, but we are on the right path.”

Pagou also underlined that previous head-to-head results will offer no psychological advantage. “Morocco will prepare thoroughly to beat us. Past encounters don’t count, especially since most of our players are still young,” he noted.

Praising Morocco’s hosting of the AFCON as well as the performances of competing teams, Pagou judged that the quarter-finals fixtures produced no major surprises so far.

In turn, striker Christian Kofane said that “playing at the AFCON is a dream come true,” adding that the entire squad is fully focused on the quarter-final against the Atlas Lions.

“We are ready to give our fullest and make Cameroonians proud,” the 19 year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward asserted.

Cameroon booked their quarter final spot following their win against South Africa 2-1, while Morocco secured its spot besting Tanzania 1-0.