Ibrahim Sannie BBC Sport

Morocco take on Botswana

Morocco go into their home game against bottom-placed Malawi on Saturday looking for a victory that will maintain their lead at the top of the group.

The Atlas Lions have a three point lead over Kenya in the group but the Harambee Stars have a match in hand.

The African Cup of Nations runners-up play a Malawi side, who are yet to win a game in the group phase and who were battered 7-0 by Tunisia in their last qualifier.

To avoid a similar thrashing the Malawians have spent a week in Libya acclimatising to the North African weather before travelling to Rabat.

The Flames also drew 1-1 with their Libyan hosts in a friendly earlier this week.

GROUP FIVE FIXTURES Botswana v Tunisia (Sat 1300GMT) Morocco v Malawi (Sat 2000 GMT) Guinea v Kenya (Sun 1630GMT)

Morocco coach Badou Zaki has recalled German-based midfielder Youssef Mokhtari, who was one of the joint top scorers at the 2004 African Cup of Nations was overlooked for the last qualifier against Guinea.

"I am very happy to return to the Atlas Lions," the 25-year-old told BBC Sport.

"I am sure that I am in top form and can help my country reach the World Cup finals."

Dennis Oliech refused to travel with Kenya to play Guinea

Second-placed Kenya are keen to show that their current position is not a fluke as they take on Guinea in Conakry on Sunday

But the Kenyans must do with out striker Dennis Oliech, who refused to travel with the squad claiming he is owed US$1,700 by his country's football governing body.

His absence is a blow to the East African country as he is the leading scorer in the African qualifying groups with six goals.

Tunisia travel to face Botswana on Saturday with the Carthage Eagles will be out to stay in the running for a World Cup place.

The African Champions are currently four points adrift of the leaders but they also have a game in hand over Morocco.

Coach Roger Lemerre has recalled veteran Khaled Badra and striker Ali Zitouni, who missed their previous qualifier against Malawi.

"It is very important to win in Gaborone to boost our chances of reaching the World Cup" the Carthage Eagles coach said.

Botswana, who are second from bottom, have just returned a training tour of Brazil and have promised the visitors a good run for their money.

Striker Diphetogo 'Dipsy' Selolwane told BBC Sport that the Zebras are desperate to avenge the 4-1 drubbing they received in Tunis in June last year.