Morocco vs Tanzania. Africa Cup of Nations Group F.
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Roundup as Morocco begin their Afcon campaign with a 3-0 win over Tanzania; goals from Romain Saiss, Azz-Eddine Ounahi and Youssef En Nesyri gave Morocco a one-sided win; meanwhile, Brentford forward Yoane Wissa helped DR Congo to a 1-1 draw with Zambia in Group F of the Afcon
Wednesday 17 January 2024 23:12, UK
Goals from Romain Saiss, Azz-Eddine Ounahi and Youssef En Nesyri fired Morocco to a 3-0 win over Tanzania in a one-sided Africa Cup of Nations opener.
Former Wolves defender Saiss struck in the first half but, despite their total dominance, Morocco had to wait until the unfancied Tanzanians were reduced to 10 players late in the second half before finishing them off.
While Morocco could boast the likes of Paris St Germain defender Achraf Hakimi and Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, Tanzania started with Tarryn Allarakhia of National League club Wealdstone in attack.
Thus, the gulf in class between the World Cup semi-finalists and the minnows who have never won a match at the AFCON was clear, but Morocco could not find a way through until the 30th minute.
Ibrahim Hamad's foul on Hakim Ziyech gave the Chelsea winger, on loan at Galatasaray, the chance to get the first shot on target of the match.
Ziyech's fierce free-kick was beaten out by Tanzania goalkeeper Aishi Manula but Saiss was following up and buried the rebound.
Ziyech, becoming increasingly influential down the right, then swung in a cross which En Nesyri headed over before forcing a decent near-post save from Manula.
As half-time approached, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli blazed over from a tight angle as Tanzania somehow made it to the break only trailing by one.
Tanzania were pushing their luck with some physical challenges and a predictable second yellow card ended Novatus Miroshi's involvement 20 minutes from time.
Morocco then doubled their lead when Ounahi played a slick one-two with substitute Amine Adli before slotting past Manula.
Moments later Ounahi crossed for Sevilla striker En Nesyri to tuck in the third and ensure the Atlas Lions got off to a winning start.
Brentford forward Yoane Wissa helped DR Congo to a 1-1 draw with Zambia in Group F of the Africa Cup of Nations.
They fell behind to former Chelsea and West Ham boss Avram Grant's side when Kings Kangwa put them in front, but Wissa levelled soon after.
DR Congo were the better side but could not find a winner as both sides trail Morocco in the table after the first round of games.
Zambia took the lead in the 23rd minute after some calamitous defending from DR Congo.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi came hurtling out to clear a ball and was left stranded as Zambia took a quick throw-in and Kangwa hooked the ball towards goal.
There was still a chance for DR Congo to clear it but Henock Inonga Baka made a meal of his attempt, kicking fresh air and the ball trickled in.
DR Congo's response was swift and they levelled four minutes later.
Cedric Bakambu broke the offside trap and fired a ball across the face of goal which Wissa turned in from close range.
Wissa almost turned the game around minutes later as the ball fell to him but Rodrick Kabwe produced a brilliant goalline clearance.
DR Congo thought they had been given a penalty midway through the second half when Tandi Mwape appeared to handle a cross after slipping, but VAR overturned the decision.
DR Congo looked the more likely to get a second but they could not find a winner, with Silas blazing over deep into time added on.
