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Morocco's Atlas Lions roared to a dominant 3-0 victory over Tanzania in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), securing the top spot in Group F.
The game, played Wednesday at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, Côte d'Ivoire, saw Morocco control the tempo and convert their chances with ruthless efficiency.
?? Azzedine Ounahi ??
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 17, 2024
Morocco's midfield maestro is your TotalEnergies Man of the Match! ? #MARTAN | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/3gozWlp8jE
Captain Romain Saiss opened the scoring for the Atlas Lions in the first half, setting the tone for a commanding performance. Azzedine Ounahi's deft strike in the 77th minute further solidified Morocco's grip on the match, and La Liga star Youssef En-Nesyri capped off the evening with a clinical finish in the 80th minute.
رومان سايس يفتتح التسجيل للمنتخب المغربي أمام المنتخب التنزاني#كأس_أمم_إفريقيا | #المغرب_تنزانيا #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/QKkpXnYrr5
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 17, 2024
Morocco's midfield Ounahi was named following the game, TotalEnergies Man of the Match, according to Confederation of African Football (CAF).
A game dominated by Morocco
Tanzania, despite their spirited effort, found it difficult to penetrate Morocco's resolute defense and failed to register a single shot on target. They suffered further woes with a red card shown to Novatus Miroshi in the 80th minute, leaving them down a man for the remainder of the game.
عز الدين أوناحي يضيف الهدف الثاني للمنتخب المغربي أمام المنتخب التنزاني#كأس_أمم_إفريقيا | #المغرب_تنزانيا #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/ErxerFPhjm
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 17, 2024
This convincing victory puts Morocco firmly at the top of Group F, ahead of DR Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania. They dominated possession with 52%, unleashed 14 shots (7 on target), and earned 5 corner kicks. The Atlas Lions also committed fewer fouls (12) and received only two yellow cards compared to Tanzania's 13 fouls, 3 yellows, and 1 red.
بأقل من دقيقة يوسف النصيري يضيف الهدف الثالث للمنتخب المغربي أمام المنتخب التنزاني#كأس_أمم_إفريقيا | #المغرب_تنزانيا #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/2ErDWtSVe7
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 17, 2024
Looking ahead, Morocco faces DR Congo on Sunday, January 21, and Zambia on January 24. Riding the momentum of this stellar opening performance, the Atlas Lions, considered one of the tournament favorites after their impressive World Cup showing, aim to finally claim their second Afcon title, having come close as runners-up in 2004.
