By Josh Granger and Riordan Craig

Scotland will now face the newly crowned African champions Morocco at this summer’s World Cup.

African football bosses today handed the Atlas Lions the 2026 African Cup of Nations after a controversial cup final against Senegal.

The game descended into chaos after Senegal players left the pitch to protest against a last minute penalty decision.

News broke today that Senegal Secretary General, Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, claims that the cup will not leave the country.

But Scotland will now face a nation whose African champion status may still be in question in some quarters.

The Moroccans are known for their fantastic group of technically gifted players.

But the off- field chaos is leading some to suggest that Scotland could cash in on the disarray surrounding African football.

Morocco parted company with gaffer Walid Regragui at the start of March, six weeks after the farcical final.

Steve Clarke’s men face the  Atlas Lions on 19^th of June in Boston. The Tartan Army will be looking to avenge a 3-0 drubbing at France 98.

But will Steve Clarke be tactically flexible enough to take advantage of the off-field politics? At previous finals, Clarke has been criticised for not adapting his tactics to take advantage of the opposition’s weaknesses.

With a new manager, the Moroccans may struggle to find a footballing identity in time for the tournament in the summer. But what Scotland fans would want to know is how Clarke will lay out his stall to best tame the Atlas Lions.

Technically gifted, the Moroccans may become distracted by the off-field shenanigans that shamed their Rabat final.

According to football analyst website Coaches Voice: “Morocco utilise a mid-block, defending the middle third of the pitch in 4-4-2. However, against Senegal, against a back three, Morocco’s front line shifted with left winger Abde Ezzalzouli jumping to press.”

Players like Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna could be the key to unlocking the high press. Throw McGinn and Gilmour into the mix and Scotland could get a positive result against the African giants.