"We have no right to fail this time round. We have a debt to the Moroccan people after what happened at the last tournament," the 22-year-old told reporters three days before the team's opening match against Angola at Soccer City.
Morocco were among the pre-tournament favourites at last year's tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon but crashed out early after losing their opening two group matches.
"There is a better realisation now of how important it is to do well. Our coach has been drumming this into us," Belhanda added at a brief media conference.
Morocco, despite a squad of much talent and potential, made a poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign last June and were 2-0 down to Mozambique after the first leg of their decisive Nations Cup qualifier in September that hastened Gerets' exit.
"We have been waiting for this Nations Cup to make up for the last time. We have had a quiet and productive build-up," added Belhanda.
