The Moroccan Football Association chose Marrakech as the host city for the Atlas Lions game against Algeria on 4 June in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers 2012. Not everyone is happy with the decision, however.

“The decision has been made, but this is a very special game to be played away from Casablanca,” Morocco coach Eric Gerets was quoted as saying in the Moroccan magazine Telquel.

“The Federation preferred to hold the game in a new stadium, I say: it would have been better for future games,” he added.

Morocco lost to Algeria 1-0 in Annaba last March and the Belgian tactician hoped to rely on the huge support of the Casablanca supporters to secure the full points of the game and top Group D. But the Moroccan FA opted to play the game in Marrakech as a consolation prize following last week's bomb attack that killed 16.

The choice aims to ease security fears in the tourist destination.

Group D witnesses a breathtaking rivalry as all four contenders, Central African Republic, Tanzania, Morocco and Algeria, are equal having each four points after three games.