South Africa and Morocco are set to do battle on Thursday when the two countries go head to head in the first Group K qualifier for the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Ahead of the encounter, the North Africans have been hit with distractions away from the pitch amid mounting pressure on head coach Vahid Halilhodžic.
The 69-year-old has been in charge of the Atlas Lions since 2019 but appears to be nearing the exit door after falling foul of the local media and supporters.
According to Morocco's Le7TV, discussions were previously held by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation over the potential sacking of Halilhodžic but did not progress after the Bosnian demanded his full contract be paid out.
Nonetheless, a disappointing result against Bafana Bafana next week could influence the decision, particularly after Morocco suffered a disappointing 3-0 friendly defeat to United States on Wednesday.
Halilhodžic was widely criticised following the result, with ex-Morocco international Youssef Chippo among the voices leading the protest against his reign.