Morocco, the surprise 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, asserted their dominance with a commanding 3-0 victory over 10-man Tanzania in San Pedro on Wednesday as they kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations Group F campaign.
Captain Romain Saiss found the net in the first half, and following the dismissal of Novatus Miroshi for Tanzania, Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nesyri added to the scoresheet for the Atlas Lions.
Despite being a long-standing African football powerhouse, Morocco is on the quest for only their second Cup of Nations title, 48 years after their triumph in Ethiopia. The team gained international recognition in Qatar two years ago when they became the first African World Cup semi-finalists, eliminating Spain and Portugal in knockout matches.
The victory over Tanzania, considered a group outsider, was expected as Morocco holds the 13th position in the world rankings, a significant 108 places above the Taifa Stars.
Morocco’s starting lineup featured seven players from the team that began the 2-0 World Cup semi-final loss to France in Qatar. The squad boasted a mix of talent from La Liga, the Premier League, Ligue 1, and the Saudi Pro League, as well as players from Turkish and Egyptian clubs.
In contrast, Tanzania’s lineup included Tarryn Allarakhia from the English fifth-tier side Wealdstone, who struggled and was substituted after 38 minutes.
Morocco demonstrated territorial and possession dominance from the start in the stadium named after the late Ivorian star Laurent Pokou. En-Nesyri had a half-chance early on, but Tanzania displayed intensity despite failing to produce a goal attempt in the first half.
Morocco took the lead in the scorching 31 Celsius (87 Fahrenheit) heat when Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick was mishandled by goalkeeper Aisha Manula, allowing Saiss to poke the loose ball into the net.
Tanzania’s hopes suffered a major setback with 20 minutes remaining as Miroshi received his second yellow card for fouling Ounahi, reducing the team to 10 men.
Ounahi then extended Morocco’s lead on 77 minutes with a well-placed shot, and En-Nesyri added the final goal on 80 minutes, confirmed by VAR two minutes later, as Tanzania battled with a numerical disadvantage.
Reported By AFP.
