Morocco started their AFCON 2023 campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Tanzania in Group F on Wednesday. The Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, dominated the game from start to finish and scored through Romain Saiss, Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nesyri.
Morocco took the lead in the 30th minute when captain Saiss pounced on a loose ball after Tanzania goalkeeper Aisha Manula failed to hold a free-kick from Hakim Ziyech. The Wolverhampton Wanderers defender tapped in from close range to give his side a deserved advantage.
Tanzania’s hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 70th minute, when they were reduced to 10 men after Novatus Miroshi received his second yellow card for a foul on Ounahi. The midfielder, who plays for Al Ahly in Egypt, doubled Morocco’s lead four minutes later with a low shot from inside the box that beat Manula.
En-Nesyri, who plays for Sevilla in Spain, completed the scoring in the 83rd minute with a header from a cross by Ziyech. The striker, who scored four goals at the World Cup, continued his fine form and sealed Morocco’s comfortable victory.
Morocco, who are coached by former France international Vahid Halilhodzic, are seeking their second AFCON title after winning it in 1976. They are the favourites to top Group F, which also includes the DR Congo and Zambia.
Tanzania, who are coached by Algerian-born Adel Amrouche, are making their third appearance at the AFCON and their first since 2019. They are the lowest-ranked team in the group and face a tough task to qualify for the knockout stage.