Morocco started their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a perfect note with a comfortable 3-0 win over 10-men Tanzania.
North African Side Morocco ran out comfortable winners in Group F opener at the on going AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire as Tanzania’s quest for their first ever AFCON Win continues.
Chances were at a premium for the much-fancied Moroccans, and it wasn’t a surprise when Hakim Ziyech’s cross fell favourably for Youssef En-Nesyri, who somehow couldn’t direct his effort from the edge of the area on target.
However, things changed soon enough, as Ziyech was again involved in Morocco’s opener, as his stinging free-kick from distance was too hot to handle for Aishi Manula, who could only parry the effort into the path of a grateful Romain Saïss, who made no mistake in turning home just his second international goal since 2017.
With Tanzania fielding players who ply their trade in the English fifth-tier, as against to the Atlas Lions’ Champions League participants, with more experience and exposure, it was little surprise to see the traffic flowing one way, but Walid Regragui will have been a little disappointed that his side led by just one goal at the break.
Ranked underdogs before kick-off, it was always a longshot for Tanzania, but while they were lacking in their attacking precision, they were making up for it through their defensive resilience. That couldn’t last long though as about 20 minutes from time, the Taifa Stars were reduced to 10 men, as a rush of blood to the head for Novatus Miroshi saw him dive into a challenge and receive his second yellow card, which ultimately lead to his matching order.
That important second goal eventually came by shortly after, as some tired Tanzanian legs were exploited by Azzedine Ounahi, who ghosted in the area and stroked home to double his side’s advantage
More salt was soon added to injury shortly after as En-Nesyri’s found the back of the net and Morocco eventually laid the game to rest.
And despite a late charge, Tanzania escaped with just a three-goal defeat, in a night they could have conceded more. owing to the fact that they were reduced to 10 men.
Morocco will next face off with DR. Congo on the 21st of January While Tanzania will continue their quest against Zambia.
