Angola and Morocco recorded another goalless draw of the Afcon 2013.  A match that was slightly better than the opening game but still lacking in true quality. It was almost predictable that it would end in a draw once the game got underway and the formations were clear to see. Below are seven points from that game.
 

1) Formations: Morocco were a 4-2-3-1 which switched to a 4-4-1-1 during the defensive phase. Angola used a 4-3-3 formation.
 

2) Pressing: the main tactical note had to do with pressing. The midfield battle was clearly outlined; a 3 v 3 in central midfield. Neither team managed to get past their opponents pressing. This lead to the center backs and goalkeepers abandoning building up play from the back opting to go long. The distribution from both keepers was poor, with Lama gifting Morocco a chance from one of his poor distribution. Lamyaghri sent his goal kicks towards the flanks.
 

3) Morocco’s left wing: It was clear that Morocco’s strategy was to get Assaidi on the ball down their left flank. He did manage to get the better of the Angolan fullback on two separate occasions, one leading to the best chance of the first half. This was the only attacking threat and it continued in the second half. However this time it was largely down to Lunguinha’s tiredness that Morocco managed to get beyond him and cross on two separate occasions.
 

4) Transition: Morocco were quick to play the ball forward and especially towards Assaidi once they won the ball back. This quick transition enabled them to catch Mingo Bille; Angola’s right attacker off position on several occasions thus enabling Assaidi a chance to run straight at the Angolan right back explaining why their play gravitated more towards that wing on top of the fact that it appears to be their stronger flank in terms of attacking play. They also resorted to tactical fouling during the negative transition, making sure to slow down their opponents’ forward play.
 

5) Set play: both corners and free kicks were poor. There was no variety in terms of delivery, all being in swingers and often met with the head of the defending team. However; it is important to note that two of the three substitutions that Morocco made came while they were about to defend a free kick and a corner kick. This may at times disrupt the players’ attention and opponents can take advantage.
 

6) Tactical switch: at the beginning of the second half Angola made changes both in terms of personnel and formation. Bille was withdrawn and his replacement came and played behind Manucho in a now 4-2-3-1 formation. Pirolito and Dede became the two pivots. With that switch of formation Angola begun to dominate possession with play moving from side to side. They created two chances down the right flank from crosses.
 

7) What was lacking: When a 4-3-3 comes up against a 4-2-3-1 it boils down the individual qualities of the players and also the willingness of the fullbacks to maraud forward. Of the four fullbacks only Lunguinha tried to venture forward; managing to draw out Morocco’s fullback thus creating space for Bille to shoot on goal for Angola’s first shot on target in the first half. This didn’t continue because he had to deal with Assaidi down that flank. It is suprising why Kaoutari didn’t make overlapping runs taking into account that this was the flank that Morocco had some joy.
With pressing being a pivotal feature, none of the two midfield triangles had players who could still demand and play the ball when put under intense pressing and this contributed heavily in goalkeepers kicking long balls.