By Mohamed Fajah Barrie BBC Sport, Casablanca

Nogueira says Morocco is difficult

Sierra Leone and Morocco desperately need a win in Sunday's crucial group seven encounter.

Victory for either side will put them in prime position to qualify for the 2004 Nations Cup finals.

The Moroccans currently top group on goal difference, as the two sides are joint leaders, with seven points each.

Sierra Leone will rely heavily on the form of Inter Milan striker Mohamed Kallon, who makes his return to the national squad after a two year absence.

Leone Stars coach Jose Antonio Nogueira has admitted the Moroccans will be difficult opponents but is optimistic of pulling off an away win.

But with the advantage of the partisan home crowd, Morocco coach Badou Zaki confidently told the local media that the Atlas Lions will snatch the three points at stake.

Zaki included nineteen foreign-based players in his squad, including two new players - Houcine Kjharja, with Italian serie 'B' side Ternana and 19 year-old Bordeaux striker Merouane Chemmakh.

Captain Noureddine Naybet, fighting to recover from a leg injury, could miss the match. His absence in defence would be a major loss for the Lions.

Sunday's game would be the seventh match between the two countries.