AFCON 2024: Morocco Gets Perfect Start From Tanzania's Defeat

 

From right to left: Romain Saiss celebrates scoring opening goal against Tanzania with Youssef En-Nesyri and Azzedine Ounahi

Morocco have got a clean start to the tournament with a 3-0 win against 10-man Tanzania in the opening game of the group stages of the AFCON 2024 in Ivory Coast. 

Hakim Ziyech facilitated the opening goal from a free-kick which was saved into Romain Saiss's path for a rebound shot that beat Aishi Manula to the net. 

Azzedine Ounahi doubled the lead, impressively dribbling through the defense, did a one-two ball with Amine Adli before unleashing a left-foot shot to beat Manula to the goal. The lead extended to third following a fast break as Youssef En-Nesyri smacked home Hakimi's cross from inside the box. 

Having won the game, the goal margin leapfrogged Morocco to the top of Group F with three points while Tanzania dropped to the bottom. 

Quick Overview

It was a long way coming for Morocco to finally get a comfortable lead from the interesting game that was more physical than technical. Tanzania didn't have the technicalities to really trouble the Moroccans defense for much of the game. 

Though, Tanzania maintained great displicine at the back, reinforcing themselves to five from starting four after Saiss' goal, their defense was later loosened after Novatus Miroshi was sent off for second yellow card offence. 

Even before Miroshi's exit, Tanzania did not seemed as the side that's capable of a comeback and were more defensive than offensive. Ounahi's individual effort eventually put the Morrocans on save path to victory before Youssef sealed it with the winner.