Morocco’s hopes of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations started on a bright note as they defeated Tanzania 3-0 in Wednesday evening’s Group F opener at Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro.
The Atlas Lions are considered favourites to win the tournament as the top ranked African team and also due to their exploits at the 2022 FIFA World Cup where they made history by becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals.
The North African giants opened proceedings in the 30th minute after Romain Saiss scored from a rebound off Hakim Ziyech’s free kick.
It remained 1-0 to Morocco until the 77th minute when Azzedine Ounahi powered in a low shot from outside the penalty area after being nicely set up by Amine Adli.
Sevilla star Youssef En-Nesyri put the final nail in the coffin two minutes later with a composed finish off a brilliant pass by Achraf Hakimi.
FULL TIME⏱️ at the Stade Laurent Poku
The Atlas Lions with an extraordinary performance to bag all 3 points.
Morocco???????? 3-0 Tanzania????????#Afrosport #AFCON2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCON #MARTAN pic.twitter.com/bHDkfGxZeH— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) January 17, 2024
The victory puts Morocco in pole position to qualify for the knockout phase, with their next tie against DR Congo still in San Pedro, potentially sealing their fate.
