PREMIER LEAGUE managers were given a boost with the Africa Cup of Nations moving to a FOUR-YEAR cycle from 2028.
There are 32 players from the English top flight set to star in the tournament, which starts on Sunday as hosts Morocco take on Comoros.
But Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe announced Afcon, which has taken place every two years since 1968, will make the surprise change after 2027 in East Africa.
The timing of Afcon has often caused controversy because it is held in the middle of the European season.
Motsepe said: “The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”
One of the Prem stars competing for next month’s big prize is Noussair Mazraoui — and the Manchester United defender believes he can handle the weight of expectation on Morocco, who aim to take the title off defending champions Ivory Coast.
The Atlas Lions, who have not won the trophy since 1976, were excellent at the 2022 World Cup where they reached the semi-finals and ended up fourth.
Mazraoui, 28, is relishing the pressure as his countrymen bid to go all the way and be kings of their continent at the January 18 final.
Morocco have also qualified for next summer’s World Cup in North America where Scotland, Brazil and Haiti lie in wait.
Mazraoui said: “I can’t wait. I’m really looking forward to those two big tournaments, especially because the Afcon is in our country.
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“This is the moment to really shine and everybody expects us to do some great things there.
“And the World Cup, that’s always something special but, especially, after what we did at the last World Cup. People don’t see us any more as just a dark horse.
“It’s something beautiful because now people and teams are going to respect you.
“I’m composed on the pitch because I’ve been in a lot of situations where the pressure was immense.
“Having a lot of those moments makes me really know what to do when the pressure is on. That’s why when I’m under pressure, I’m still calm.”
Mazraoui was forced to miss the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday, as his country insisted he linked up with the squad ahead of their opener.
Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi has declared himself fit to captain Walid Regragui’s side following an ankle injury.
Hakimi, 27, said: “I feel good. I’m following the programme with the doctors and the coach. After that, we’ll see what the coach decides. You can ask him.
Morocco’s star side
“I was scared after my injury. I didn’t want to miss this cup that we’re hosting.
“I wanted to be there with the team. I don’t know when I’ll play but I feel ready.”
Morocco also boast Sofyan Amrabat, Nayef Aguerd and Brahim Diaz in their squad and Mazraoui hopes his country can lift silverware for the first time in 50 years.
He added: “It’s been a long time since we won an Afcon. We have a great team at this moment and a great group of players.
“We did great in the World Cup and have improved even more. We are on the right path but the results in a big tournament like this are what counts.
“We have some players who are really experienced, me, Hakimi, Amrabat, Aguerd. A lot of players who are used to pressure.
“We have some young guys with a lot of energy. We have the right balance. Diaz is there as well. We have top quality at this moment.”
