Skipper Thomas Morgan and goalkeeper Derek O'Connor are out on suspension and two others are injured. But team manager David Kerr is confident that the old Irish luck will kick in tonight.
"Nobody expected us to get past the first round but we came out comfortably. We can do it again," said Kerr yesterday.
Ireland, who finished as runners-up behind Ghana in Group C, had their first feel of the conditions at the Shah Alam Stadium during a 45-minute workout yesterday.
Kerr added that the absence of O'Connor would not affect the team's defence. O'Connor was shown the marching orders for wasting time for a second time in the match against China on Sunday.
"We have an able replacement in Paul Whelan. He played against the USA and gave a good account of himself," said Kerr.
He added that they could even rely on their utility player, David Whittle, to be the goalkeeper.
"Whittle is like Jorge Campos (the flamboyant Mexican goalkeeper). Although he is not a regular goalkeeper, he can do the job when the need arises," said Kerr.
But he admitted that the long list of injuries limited the choice of players. Among those injured is Nottingham Forest's John Burns. Kerr added that Morocco had several good forwards, including Tarik Sektioui, and they played a quick passing game.
"They play a similar game like Ghana and China but they are more physical. We will maintain our style of play, moving the ball around," said Kerr.
Moroccan team manager Hammadi Hissou said that they were fully aware of the Irish style of play.
"We have something planned just to disrupt their game," said Hammadi.