In a commanding display of football prowess, the Atlas Lions of Morocco secured an impressive 3-0 triumph against Tanzania at the Stade Laurent Pokou in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire (AFCON 2023).
Right from the outset, Morocco asserted total dominance over the game, orchestrating all goal-scoring opportunities with a level of play that showcased a sublime and modern style of football. The 2022 World Cup semifinalists left an indelible mark on the pitch, demonstrating their technical finesse and tactical brilliance.
The breakthrough for Morocco came when Hakim Ziyech’s expertly taken free kick forced a save from Salum Manula, only for Roman Saiss to capitalize on the rebound and open the scoring for the Atlas Lions. The fluidity and precision of the play illustrated Morocco’s commitment to playing an aesthetically pleasing brand of football.
Tanzania’s challenges were compounded when Novatus Miroshi received a second yellow card in the 70th minute, reducing them to ten men. This turn of events further fueled Morocco’s absolute control of the game, allowing them to exhibit a high level of strategic dominance.
Morocco’s second goal was a testament to their stylish approach to the game, as Azzedine Ounahi received a pass inside the box and unleashed a thunderbolt that found the underside of the goal, extending Morocco’s lead to 2-0 at the 77th minute.
The third and final goal, courtesy of Yousseff En Nesyri, exemplified the team’s composure and skill. Achraf Hakimi provided a precise pass inside the penalty area, and En Nesyri calmly found the far corner of the net, securing a 3-0 advantage for Morocco. The goal withstood VAR scrutiny, further validating the team’s exceptional performance.
The Atlas Lions triumph makes them the first Arab team to secure a win in the tournament’s opening matches. This achievement underscores Morocco’s commitment to excellence on the continental stage and sets a formidable standard for other Arab nations participating in the AFCON.
Morocco’s next challenge awaits them against DR Congo next Sunday at 14h00 GMT.
Sportribune.com
