Shock 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco on Wednesday cruised to a 3-0 win over 10-man Tanzania as they opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, while 2012 champions Zambia held the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
Captain Romain Saiss, Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef en-Nesyri netted for Morocco in San Pedro, Ivory Coast, while Tanzania had Novatus Miroshi sent off.
Although an African powerhouse for decades, Morocco are seeking only a second Cup of Nations title, 48 years after lifting the trophy in Ethiopia.
Photo: AP
Morocco sprang to international prominence just over a year ago in Qatar when they became the first-ever African World Cup semi-finalists, eliminating Spain and Portugal along the way.
Wednesday’s victory over Group F outsiders Tanzania was anticipated, as Morocco are ranked 13th in the world, 108 places above the Taifa Stars.
Morocco began with seven of the team who started in the 2-0 World Cup semi-final loss to France in Qatar.
Photo: AP
There were three La Liga players, two each from the Premier League and Ligue 1, and two with Saudi Pro League sides.
This contrasted sharply with Tanzania, whose lineup included Tarryn Allarakhia from English fifth-tier outfit Wealdstone. The winger struggled in sweltering conditions and was replaced after 38 minutes.
Hakim Ziyech, on loan to Galatasaray from Chelsea, lifted a free-kick over the defensive wall and when goalkeeper Aisha Manula failed to grasp it, Saiss converted the loose ball.
Photo: AFP
Tanzanian hopes of finding an equalizer suffered a huge blow with 20 minutes remaining when Miroshi fouled Ounahi and was sent off for a second booking.
Ounahi rounded off a fine move to make it 2-0 after 77 minutes and the scoring was complete shortly after when En-Nesyri converted a low cross for a goal that was confirmed as onside following a video check.
“We’re focused, we’re on a mission here, and we have a status to live up to,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui said. “People are waiting for us to deliver, but we are keeping our feet on the ground and we respected Tanzania in this game.”
Photo: AFP
The spoils were shared in the second match of the day later on in the same group, played at the same stadium named after deceased Ivory Coast star Laurent Pokou.
Kings Kangwa lobbed Zambia into the lead midway through the first half after DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi came racing out of his area and could not get back into position in time.
However, Yoane Wissa converted Cedric Bakambu’s low center to make it 1-1 before the half-hour mark, and that was how it finished.
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