The Moroccan national team made an emphatic start to their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign today, defeating Tanzania 3-0 in their opening Group F fixture at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.
Playing at the at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro on Wednesday, Morocco controlled the match from the outset and never looked threatened by the Taifa Stars.
The Atlas Lions opened the scoring in the 31st minute through captain Romain Saiss. A beautifully curled free-kick from Hakim Ziyech was fumbled by Tanzanian goalkeeper Aisha Manula, allowing Saiss to pounce on the loose ball and poke it into the net.
Morocco continued to dictate proceedings in the second half, and Tanzania’s task became even harder when defender Novatus Miroshi was sent off in the 70th minute for a second bookable offence.
With the man advantage, Morocco ruthlessly put the result beyond doubt with two late goals. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi made it 2-0 in the 77th minute with a tidy finish from inside the box. Then, just three minutes later, Youssef En-Nesyri powered home a cross at the back post to make it 3-0.
It was a totally one-sided affair, with Tanzania failing to muster a single shot on target throughout the match. Morocco, on the other hand, were full of class and composure, dominating possession and carving out chance after chance.
The win puts Morocco in a strong early position in Group C as they seek to add to their sole AFCON title won back in 1976. For Tanzania, it was a harsh reality check as they now face an uphill task to progress from the group stage.
Morocco will be full of confidence heading into their next match against Comoros, while Tanzania will need to improve dramatically if they are to get anything from their game against Gabon. On today’s evidence, few would bet against the Atlas Lions going deep into this tournament in Cameroon.
