AFTER Scotland's opening victory against Haiti in the World Cup, Steve Clarke's men will be looking ahead to facing a ghost of the past in the hope of cementing their place in the knockout stages.
Unlike Haiti, Scotland have faced Morocco once before and it's not a match the Tartan Army will remember fondly.
Scotland lost 3-0 to the North African side in their last game at the 1998 World Cup. Little did they know it would be another 28 years before they played another match in the tournament.
Here are the key things to know about Morocco ahead of Friday night's match in Boston.
Afcon champions
Morocco are officially the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) champions, but their title is steeped in controversy.
The final between Senegal and Morocco had been goalless until Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty following a VAR check.
So incensed at the decision was Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw, he then ordered his team to leave the field in protest.
After a 16-minute delay, Senegal did come back out to continue the game. Brahim Diaz took the penalty for Morocco but it was saved and Senegal's Pape Gueye went on to score the winner in extra-time.
However, Senegal's penalty protest stripped of the title two months later by the Confederation of African Football and the title instead went to Morocco.
The jury is still out on whether Morocco were the true champions given they did not win the game. Senegal still paraded the trophy around before a friendly against Peru following the decision.
World Cup semi-finalists in 2022
Morocco are a lot stronger now than when Scotland played them in 1998.
They were a surprise feature in the semi-finals of Qatar 2022 having beaten giants Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way there. They lost the semi-final 2-0 to France.
They continue to be regarded as one of, if not the best team in Africa and Scotland will need to have their wits about them for the full 90 minutes.
Pace and fluidity
For a decent spell against Brazil in their match, Morocco looked like a terrifying prospect. After going 1-0 up against the five-time champions, they were running rings around a Brazil team that looked at a loss as to how to contain them.
Morocco boast a talented team who play can play with blistering pace.
It's widely expected they will dominate possession against Scotland who may need to be prepared to soak up a relentless attack early on. The Atlas Lions came out all guns blazing against Brazil with little sign of first game jitters, but they did drop off in intensity after in the game.
If Scotland can contain them in the first quarter, they will likely get chances on the counter but will need to make every opportunity count.
Players to watch out for include 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi who starred against Brazil and has been linked with top Premier League sides. Winger Saibari also scored against Brazil and looks a dangerous prospect.
Pressure is on Scotland
Morocco have already faced what they believe will be their hardest group fixture on paper and avoided defeat against the five-time champions.
As a result, they will not fear Clarke's side and with a game against minnows Haiti to finish, they will see the pressure as being on Scotland who could really do with a point to secure their place in the knockout stage.
If that point does not come across Morocco, it will likely have to come against Brazil. It's safe to say Scotland have a much tougher road ahead than their Friday night opponents and Morocco will look to lap this up backed up by loud and passionate fans.
