Morocco will attempt to keep Africas World Cup dream alive when they face co-hosts Canada in the opening Round of 16 fixture on Saturday in Houston.The Atlas Lions head into the contest full of confidence after surviving a dramatic last-32 encounter against the Netherlands, where they struck a 91st-minute equaliser before sealing qualification with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory.That result extended Moroccos unbeaten run to nine matches since the Africa Cup of Nations final, with Mohamed Ouahbis side continuing to build on the momentum that carried them to a historic World Cup semi-final in 2022.Now the North Africans are aiming to reach another quarter-final, while also strengthening Africas presence on the global stage.Canada seeking another historic breakthroughCo-hosts Canada are equally determined to create history as they chase a place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.Jesse Marschs side earned their breakthrough knockout victory in dramatic fashion against South Africa, scoring a 92nd-minute winner after dominating large periods of the match.Marsch described the encounter with Morocco as a free hit for his players, who are hoping to become the first nation since 2002 to win each of their opening two knockout matches at a World Cup.Canada will also take confidence from their recent form in Houston, where they have won two of their last three matches. However, the challenge facing them is significant, particularly against a Morocco side that has developed a reputation for thriving in major tournament knockout football.Morocco hold psychological edgeHistory slightly favours the African side heading into the encounter.Canada have faced few teams more often without recording a victory than Morocco, managing just one draw and suffering three defeats in previous meetings.Morocco also defeated Canada during the group phase of the 2022 World Cup and have won both of their previous World Cup matches against CONCACAF opposition.The Atlas Lions have additionally progressed from six of their last eight knockout ties at major tournaments, highlighting their growing pedigree on the biggest stage.Tight contest expected in HoustonStatistics from both sides suggest the match could be closely fought.Canada have registered seven or more shots on target in three of their four World Cup games, but they have scored more than once in only one of their last seven matches at the tournament.Morocco, meanwhile, continue to show defensive resilience. Only one of their six World Cup knockout matches has produced more than 2.5 goals, while they have conceded just two of the eight penalties faced in World Cup shootouts.With both nations chasing a historic quarter-final berth, Saturdays encounter at NRG Stadium promises tension, drama and another major test of Moroccos ambitions to carry African hopes deeper into the tournament.Kick-off time and where to watchThe match will kick off at 14:00 local time in Houston on July 4, which corresponds to 17:00 GMT in Ghana and 21:00 GST in Morocco and parts of West Africa.Viewers in Ghana can follow the match on Sporty TV App, StarTimes App, DStv Now, Canal+, Startimes World, SS LaLiga, GOtv Football, SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv LaLiga and SS Maximo.In Morocco, the match will be available on Arryadia, Al Aoula and SNRT Live.  



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